The Plant and Microbial Cytoskeleton GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
The 2024 Plant and Microbial Cytoskeleton Gordon Research Seminar aims to provide a stimulating forum for discussion and exchange by early-career researchers working on the cytoskeleton in model systems such as land plants, fungi, algae, protists, bacteria and archaea. While all aspects of plant and microbial cytoskeleton research are relevant to this meeting, we will particularly focus on the functional diversity of the cytoskeleton and its interactors and regulators, considering commonalities between different systems as well as lineage-specific differences. Early-career researchers and trainees are invited to submit abstracts on topics including (but not limited to) cell division, cell and tissue morphogenesis, cytoskeleton-endomembrane connections, cell motility and contraction, responses to stress and general physiological processes. We particularly encourage abstracts from those working on atypical plant and microbial model species, as well as those using interdisciplinary approaches. We hope this seminar will build on the inaugural seminar of 2022 as a forum for discussing emerging techniques and divergent model organisms as we collectively strive to broaden our understanding of cytoskeleton function and diversity.
In support of its associated Gordon Research Conference, this seminar aims to promote connections between early-career researchers and provide the opportunity to present unpublished work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. As well as supportive and animated scientific discussions, there will also be a mentorship session to discuss the requirements, rewards and challenges of different career paths. As with all Gordon conferences, free time will be available to build on discussions arising in the scientific or mentorship sessions. Please contact the GRS chairs if you have any questions about this meeting – details of available financial support for attendees will be available in due course and upon request.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by May 5, 2024. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
