The 2011 Gordon Conference on Insulin like Growth Factors (IGFs) in Physiology and Disease will present cutting-edge research on the role of IGFs and their signaling pathways in development, maintenance of life and in major diseases. IGFs have essential functions in promoting normal growth as well as cell survival and tissue repair. IGFs and their signaling pathways are also implicated in cancer progression, neurodegeneration, and ageing, and are therefore being actively explored as points of therapeutic intervention for these conditions. This Conference will cover the physiological and molecular aspects of IGF ligands, receptors, binding proteins and signaling pathways in somatic cell growth, stem cells, differentiation, cancer progression, neurogenesis and neurodegeneration, stress and ageing. The goal of the Conference is to bring together investigators who are at the forefront of their field to discuss the key aspects of IGF function in different tissues and diseases. It will provide opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work and exchange ideas with leaders in the field. Abstracts will be selected for presentation as short talks. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference, with programmed discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings will provide an avenue for scientists from different disciplines to brainstorm and promote collaborations ultimately aimed at understanding and potentially manipulating IGF functions to enhance normal tissue function or to suppress disease progression.