The Sensory Transduction in Microorganisms 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 7th annual GRS on Sensory Transduction in Microorganisms (STIM) will take place on January 17th and 18th, 2026 at Ventura Beach, CA, the weekend prior to its cognate Gordon Research Conference. As a trainee-led conference, the purpose of the GRS is to 1) shine a spotlight on the new and groundbreaking research performed by early-stage researchers, and 2) provide a space for young scientists to build a collaborative network in the field.
The 2026 GRS STIM will focus on characterizing the vast number of mechanisms in which microbes use cell signaling to respond to their changing environment. As such, the GRS will feature both oral and poster presentations from chemical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, structural biology, and other related fields.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by October 12, 2025. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
