Innovation and Advancement: Fundamental Science Resulting in Next-Gen Solutions for Chemical and Biological Threats

The 2017 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) "Chemical and Biological Terrorism Defense" and its companion Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), will showcase exciting, innovative basic and translational research in the areas of biological and chemical threat agents, underscored by myriad opportunities for intensive discussion and networking between young and seasoned researchers from academia, government, medicine and biotech. This biennial international conference continues to be regarded by the biological and chemical defense communities as a premier venue for intellectual exchange and cross-disciplinary fertilization. To be held March 4-10 at the Ventura Marriott in Ventura California, the 2017 conference is led by Chair Steven Blanke, Ph.D., and Vice Chairs Catharine Bosio, Ph.D. and Patrick McNutt, Ph.D. Each scientific session will be crafted to highlight and engender themes and solutions common to both the chemical and biological threat communities. These, nine sessions will feature 32 invited speakers plus 4 young investigators/trainees that will be selected from the GRS, chosen to integrate cutting-edge research on: mechanisms, sources, and treatment of biological and chemical threats; the threat of non-human targets to human health disease; translational approaches for countermeasures and prevention; and cross-disciplinary solutions to detection and decontamination. Emerging issues of scientific and security importance, such as gene drives, and, new smart detection devices, will be featured. Poster sessions will promote extended discussions between investigators within and across disciplines and ranks. To integrate and develop the next generation of scientists in our field, the GRC will be preceded by a GRS. Together the Seminar and Conference promise to provide an exceptional forum for a diverse population of scientists to learn about cutting edge discoveries in the field, and consider and challenge the current paradigms, barriers and opportunities to advancing knowledge in the areas of defenses against chemical and biological threat agents.