Conference Description
The Photosensory Receptors and Signal Transduction GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
Light controls many aspects of life on earth including growth, development, behaviour and adaptation across species. From visual perception to entraining biological clocks and optimizing photosynthesis, light is key for sustaining ecosystems and maintaining physiological homeostasis. Understanding how organisms across kingdoms sense, transduce and respond to light enables advancements in fundamental science, medicine, agriculture, as well as innovative biotechnological applications using light-controlled technologies including optogenetics in medicine and physiology .
The 13th Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and associated Seminar (GRS) on Photosensory Receptors and Signal Transduction that will be held in Ventura, USA during February 7th -13th 2026 following up from a 20-year tradition of bringing together a multidisciplinary community of leading and early career researchers to share their latest discoveries in photosensory receptors across diverse biological systems from microbes to humans. Key topics will include photoreceptor structure, light activation and signal transduction mechanisms that drive light-regulated responses and behaviour. The wealth of opportunities for discussions on diverse families of natural photoreceptors using novel biophysical, biochemical and genetic approaches will shed light on their signalling properties. Additionally, the engineering of the diverse array photosensory systems for biotechnological, clinical applications and bioimaging will be highlighted.The associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) preceding the GRC will act as a platform for early-career researchers to share their discoveries and experience amongst peers and engage in networking and mentoring opportunities. Both the GRC and GRS programmes will also feature selected talks from early career scientists presenting breakthrough findings, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive scientific exchange.
The conference will consist of nine sessions, on the topics listed below. The conference chair is currently developing their preliminary program, which will include the names of the invited speakers and discussion leaders for each of these sessions. The preliminary program will be available by May 14, 2025. Please check back for updates.
