The Intermediate Filaments GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
The inclusive and relaxed nature of this meeting creates a low-pressure environment for young scientists to engage in motivating discussions with their peers. It also allows them to obtain valuable feedback from experienced mentors in the field. This two-day event is ideal to “break the ice”, especially for first-time attendees, in a fun and social setting before the main Gordon Research Conference (GRC).
Intermediate filaments are a large group of cytoskeletal and nucleoskeletal elements. On one hand, their biophysical properties allow them to assemble into durable, yet dynamic networks that are at the heart of subcellular, cellular, and tissue organization. On the other hand, their mechanical and biochemical properties allow them to respond to mechanical and biochemical cues and be actively engaged in cell signaling and transcriptional regulation.
This GRS will focus on novel innovative ideas to study the structure, function, and disease mechanisms of intermediate filaments. Discussions of the latest findings will shed light on the latest advances in biophysical, imaging, cell, and molecular biology techniques as well as the technical limitations in intermediate filament research. The program consists of a keynote speaker session, platform talks, and poster presentations with ample discussion time. This GRS will also feature a career development panel that will allow young scientists to gain a deeper understanding of scientific careers after graduate school. This session will be in a format that will allow an active discussion between professionals and young scientists.
Overall, this GRS will provide an enriching scientific and mentorship experience along with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations between pioneering early-career researchers. In doing so, this program will confidently propel the field forward by solving common problems and unanswered questions.
