The 2013 Gordon Research Conference on Photochemistry will highlight recent advances in photochemical reactions and mechanisms, spectroscopic techniques and applications to materials, organic synthesis, solar energy conversion, and biology. Photochemistry continues to grow in importance due to its remarkable impacts on basic and applied science. On the one hand, photochemical approaches are critically important for creating unique materials and for the development of novel synthetic methodologies. On the other hand, photochemists have long used light to interrogate and characterize the static and dynamic properties of chemical systems. Today, light-matter interactions are of particular interest to researchers working to convert solar energy to low-carbon electricity and chemical fuels and to those who seek to use light to capture and process information. The conference will continue its nearly half century tradition of dynamic discussions on the most recent advances and unsolved scientific problems. The format of lectures, poster presentations and informal discussions provides an ideal venue for students and post-doctoral fellows to interact with leaders in the field. These early-career scientists will have an opportunity to participate in the Gordon Research Seminar on Photochemistry to be held prior to the GRC. Speakers for several short talks will be selected from interested participants who submit poster abstracts.