The Chemistry & Biology of Tetrapyrroles Gordon Conference brings together individuals across many disciplines to explore the beautiful tetrapyrrole pigments. Physicians, biologists, chemists, and agricultural scientists mingle to discuss newly discovered defects in human porphyrin metabolism, the myriad strategies for light harvesting in photosynthetic organisms, or novel tetrapyrroles that serve as auxiliary chromophores or enzyme cofactors. At recent meetings there was great excitement surrounding the recognition of the role of tetrapyrroles in signaling across all kingdoms of life.

The 2008 conference on Chemistry & Biology of Tetrapyrroles will focus on new frontiers in the field, including tetrapyrroles in energy generation in plants and in solar cells, emerging roles for tetrapyrroles in cell signaling and human disease, and novel pathways, both biological and synthetic, to elaborated tetrapyrroles. The meeting will highlight key areas of progress in the field in which the chemistry and biology inform new medical, agricultural and technological developments.

Significant work by newcomers to the field will be highlighted early in the conference in a series of short talks. Graduate students, post-docs, assistant professors, those under 35 years of age, or those who have been in the field less than 10 years are invited to submit a short talk abstract to the chair by May 15. Short talk speakers will be chosen and notified by June 1.