The 12th Barrier Function of Mammalian Skin Gordon Research Conference is scheduled for August 7-11, 2011 at the Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire, USA. This conference represents the primary international research forum on the mammalian barrier, and is focused on the biophysical, biological, and clinical aspects of barrier formation and function in health and disease. The organizers have assembled an excellent program, with an outstanding list of speakers and discussion leaders to address the diverse aspects of current barrier research. To further insure that recent novel perspectives are highlighted, a "Hot Topics/Young Investigators" session is again scheduled, wherein six-to-seven presentations will be given by young scientists on their most-recent research.

This popular conference is generally fully- to over-subscribed, which makes it possible to accept an optimal mix of attendees from academics, industry and government, as well as a mix of young and established scientists. Submitted abstracts will be used not only to assist with consideration for conference participation, but also for the selection of presenters for the "Hot Topics/Young Investigators" session. The organizers also are making a concerted effort to recruit speakers and encourage attendees from around the world, particularly from Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

The 2011 Barrier Gordon Conference promises to provide new insights into the origin, function, maintenance, and repair of the mammalian skin barrier, including the penetration of drugs and exclusion of toxins and pathogens. The resulting exchange will hopefully lead to immediate, practical consequences for trans-epidermal drug delivery, as well as treatment of skin dysfunction(s). To accomplish this goal, an array of important topics has been selected, with individual sessions and/or selected presentations devoted to: Molecular regulation and matrix signaling in barrier formation and wound healing; Insights into barrier structure and function from IR, Raman spectroscopy and related techniques; Membrane lipid transport and lamellar body secretion in skin barrier function; Skin biophysics and biomechanics; Skin as a psycho-sensory barrier organ; Other barriers/other worlds: barriers to UV/ radiation damage, physiological barriers to carcinogenesis; Dermal barriers to drug delivery; Clinical dimensions of defective barriers in skin disease and repair; Anti-microbial and innate barriers; Active versus passive modes of trans-dermal delivery; and Antioxidant barriers within skin. To complement these diverse themes, three evening poster sessions are scheduled, with up to 30 presentations each, to be organized by topic. In addition, a stimulating and entertaining Forum Discussion is scheduled for Thursday evening, with the topic to be selected from controversial issues in Skin Barrier Research.