The objective of the Gordon Research Conference on Biomineralization is to explore the biological, chemical and physical controls on biomineralization in vertebrate, invertebrate, plant and biomimetic systems. Particular attention is paid to the consequences of interactions at the organic-inorganic interface. The interest in this topic stems from the important role that biomineralization processes play in biology, biotechnology, medicine, chemistry, interfacial science, materials science, and nanotechnology. Over the years attendees of this conference have witnessed the spectacular advances made in the field of biomineralization, which have been, in part, due to the interactions and collaborations stimulated by this GRC. The goal of this year's GRC is to bring together chemists, physicists, biologists, physicians and engineers, who would otherwise not overlap on the conference circuit, in a setting that promotes cross-disciplinary fertilization of new ideas. In doing so, our intent is to create the premier venue to discuss fundamental and applied aspects of biomineralization that intersect biology, chemistry and materials science.

We anticipate an exciting meeting with invited oral sessions that will cover cellular and genetic controls on mineral formation, in vitro models of mineralization, interactions and molecular contacts between macromolecular and mineral components, pathological mineralization, macromolecular scaffolds for materials synthesis and organization, new directions in tissue engineering, biomineral architecture in marine systems, the link between architecture and function, and biomineralization through time. Special emphasis will be placed on novel unpublished results, new experimental techniques, and the role of simulation and modeling.

The oral sessions will be followed by the highly successful afternoon poster sessions. The poster sessions provide all conferees with the opportunity to present their latest research and to exchange ideas in a more informal setting. As in the past, this opportunity will continue during the nightly social gathering that takes place in the poster hall following the evening lectures. As with the lectures, the posters should present work that has not been previously published to a significant extent. All conferees are encouraged to submit and present posters. We will select 8-10 of the best poster abstracts for short oral presentations.

We recommend early application to the Biomineralization GRC as attendance is limited and the conference is regularly over-subscribed. We welcome applications from graduate students and young postdoctoral scientists to attend and present their research findings. A number of travel awards will be made based on submitted poster abstracts.