This will be the fourth European Gordon Research Conference on Mammary Gland Biology. The Conference covers many aspects of mammary gland development and disease and will bring together cutting edge experts in these areas with young investigators to discuss the important roles of stem cells, the stroma, cellular adhesion, proliferation and apoptosis. There will be a focus on the molecular basis for developmental transitions including embryonic development, branching morphogenesis, alveolar development, lactation and involution. There will be sessions centred on breast cancer prediction, prevention, and molecular targets for therapy of invasive and metastatic disease.

The goal of the meeting will be to stimulate discussion that connects a fundamental understanding of mammary gland development with the alterations that occur during tumourigenesis. In past meetings discussion has been lively as researchers exchange their most recent data and diverse perspectives. Participation from senior investigators, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students will be encouraged through the selection of short talks from submitted abstracts and the ample time set aside for poster sessions.