We are pleased to announce the addition of a Gordon Research Seminar to coincide with the Microbial Toxins and Pathogenesis Gordon Research Conference in 2008. This program is intended to bring together graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to discuss their current research prior (July 12-13th) to the start of the larger GRC (July 13-18th). The GRS will provide an excellent opportunity for junior scientists to present their work, receive constructive feedback, network with other students and postdocs in the field, and hopefully facilitate future collaborations. In addition, the GRS will prepare the attendees for the format of the larger GRC and ideally promote a higher level of participation throughout the subsequent conference.

The two-day program will include seminars by 8-10 invited speakers, poster sessions by the participants, and opportunities for social interaction. There will be two seminar sessions, the first of which will focus on molecular mechanisms in pathogenesis, including toxin structure and function, gene regulation, and secretion. The second session will cover host-microbe interactions such as subversion of cellular processes by pathogens, avoidance of innate immune mechanisms, and translational aspects of pathogenesis research. All oral presentations will be given by student or postdoctoral fellows. Attendees who will not be giving an oral presentation are highly encouraged to present a poster on their work.