Translating Local Tissue Interactions and Systemic Interplays into New Therapies for Bones and Teeth

Musculoskeletal and mineralized tissue conditions including osteoporosis, bone cancer, dental and peridontal disease, deficient fracture repair, dysplasias and malformations remain health-care challenges and significant contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Happily, the last few years have produced important and far-reaching discoveries, identifying new local and systemic regulatory interactions, interplays and circuits, unearthing new roles for tissue constituents, and providing a better understanding of the complex biology and physiology of bones and teeth. These discoveries have also produced opportunities for identification of disease mechanisms and targets and testing of promising therapeutics. In keeping with its role as the leading venue for communication of break-through discoveries, the GRC on Bones and Teeth will fully engage with these exciting discoveries, will provide a timely forum for their presentation, appreciation, analysis, and discussion, and will inspire and stimulate progress toward more effective and targeted therapeutics for both common and rare diseases. As such, the theme of the 2016 Conference is "From scientific discoveries to novel therapies - new horizons for bones and teeth". The overarching goal is to provide the attendees - and the young attendees in particular - with a broader prospective and encompassing understanding of bones and teeth, including how these essential structures rely on local regulators but are also enmeshed in the overall physiology of the body and how the resulting information is propelling advances in both basic and translational medicine. The Conference will bring together senior and junior scientists and clinician-scientists at the forefront of research in molecular, developmental and cell biology, genetics, systemic and organ biology, tissue repair and regeneration, and therapeutics. It will provide a unique and unmatched forum for presentation of published and unpublished data, will promote open and unfettered communication, interaction and networking, and will bring to the fore emerging research subfields, identifying research needs and opportunities.

A limited number of bursary funds are available to offset registration and travel costs for students and postdocs. We encourage all qualified and interested junior scientists to apply, regardless of gender, race, or age. If costs are a hindrance, please make an informal enquiry with the Chairs after application and/or registration.