The 2012 Meiosis Gordon Research Conference will bring together researchers who study the cell and molecular biology, genetics, genomics, biochemistry and evolutionary biology of meiosis. A major strength of this field is that, in addition to the wide variety of approaches that are being taken to understand this critical cell division process, there are a number of different organisms being studied, including yeast, nematodes, plants, fruit flies and mammals. The Conference will bring together a collection of investigators who are in the forefront of their field, and will provide opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work and exchange ideas with leaders in their field. In addition to poster presentations, some talks will be selected from submitted abstracts. Topics covered will be diverse, including regulation of entry into meiosis, DNA replication, homologous recombination, chromosome pairing and synapsis, sister chromatid cohesion, spindle-kinetochore attachment, chromosome segregation and checkpoint and cell cycle controls. This meeting provides an opportunity for people studying the same process in different organisms to "compare notes" in a collegial environment in which ample time for discussion exists in both formal and informal settings.