Paradigms of Microbial Evolution and Adaptation for Fitness in Host and Environmental Niches

The 2024 Streptococcal Biology GRC will be the third meeting on this medically important and scientifically rich field of research. It will be held at the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River at beautiful Sunday River in Maine, USA, from August 11-16, 2024. The program encompasses a wide range of exciting topics among important human and animal pathogens from the genera Streptococcus and Enterococcus. Topics will include genomics, virulence regulation, mobile genetic elements, host-pathogen interactions, cell biology and aspects of bacterial and host heterogeneity during infection. Invited speakers include both established and early-stage investigators who will present their latest unpublished high impact research discoveries. Encouraging participation of all scientists working with streptococci and enterococci and in closely related microbial pathogenesis and immunology fields, we expect to develop this meeting into a recurring premier conference in infectious diseases research.

An important goal of the GRC is to cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders including junior investigators, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students by providing a highly interactive and supportive environment to exchange ideas with current eminent figures in the field. All attendees will have the opportunity to present posters and the best abstracts will be selected for short oral presentations in the regular program. Returning this year: the GRC will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar for training scientists. Together, the GRS and GRC 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 of molecular mechanisms of microbial infection.

Finally, the program will include a Power Hour open to all participants and designed to increase awareness and discuss issues concerning equal opportunities and diversification programs.We encourage a collegial and supportive atmosphere at this conference, with organized discussion sessions and opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings. This beautiful New England summertime setting provides an ideal environment for scientists from different disciplines to exchange ideas, brainstorm and foster cross-disciplinary collaborations. We expect the meeting to be oversubscribed so please register early.