The 2012 Gordon Conference on Chromatin structure and function will present cutting-edge research on how the genome is dynamically organized in three dimension in the nucleus and how this architecture is involved in regulating nuclear processes The Conference will feature how variation in chromatin structure ranging from its building block, the nucleosome up to defined domains in the nucleus or chromosomes can be achieved, and the talks will cover a wide range of topics, nucleosome structure, nucleosome remodeling, covalent modification of histones, histone exchange and histone variants. Compaction of chromatin, higher order structures, long-range interactions, mitotic and meiotic mechanisms, RNA-based mechanisms, transvection and paramutation, genome and epigenome duplication and stability will also be covered. Invited speakers represent a broad variety of approaches including genetics, structural biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and bioinformatics. This conference has a long history of attracting the top researchers in the field of chromatin structure and function and fostering interactions to promote new collaborations and integration of new members in the field. The 2012 Conference will continue the trend of extending coverage of the variety of approaches used to study chromatin. Space will be held for young scientists, and all applicants will have the opportunity to present a poster on their work if they wish. Many of the platform presentations will be chosen from the submitted abstracts to ensure inclusion of the latest developments during the formal sessions. Significant time for discussion will be scheduled into every session to promote the lively exchange of ideas and interpretations. The conference schedule allows ample time in the afternoons and after the session in the evening for the informal interactions that have always played a key role at this Conference.