Due to increased demand and pricing associated with the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Boston area, GRC strongly encourages attendees
to make travel arrangements early to help minimize associated travel costs. We anticipate limited availability of hotel rooms,
rental cars, and transportation options departing from Boston, so please plan accordingly.
As a cost-effective transportation option, we encourage attendees to consider the GRC bus service, which can be reserved directly
through your myGRC account. Space is limited.
If you require an extended stay, please contact your COA, as GRC has secured a limited number of discounted rooms at the Embassy Suites
Boston Logan Airport.
The Bacterial Cell Surfaces 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.
This seminar is run by and for junior researchers, with the goal of creating a welcoming and collaborative environment in which to discuss the bacterial cell surface. The GRS will showcase work related to various aspects of bacterial cell envelope biology, including cell envelope biogenesis, maintenance, and degradation, as well as transport and secretion across the envelope, cell division, and cell-cell interactions. Attendees will have the opportunity to present their work through both oral presentations and dedicated poster sessions, encouraging the exchange of ideas and feedback. Furthermore, the GRS aims to foster collaboration and mentorship, with ample time for informal interactions, discussions, and networking activities.
The GRS sets the stage for the Bacterial Cell Surfaces Gordon Research Conference by cultivating a sense of community and camaraderie among early career researchers. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend and present their work at the associated GRC, which takes place immediately after this meeting.
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 March 22, 2026. 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.