The Plasminogen Activation and Extracellular Proteolysis 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 Plasminogen Activation and Extracellular Proteolysis GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a range of speakers and discussion leaders from world-leading institutions, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
The theme of the 2026 GRC will be "Training, Techniques, and Translation in Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis". Extracellular proteolysis is mediated by proteases, including plasminogen and its activators, metalloproteases, and other extracellular proteases, that operate at the interface of cell-cell, cell-fluid, and cell-matrix contacts. Dysfunction of these proteolytic systems precipitates the aetiology of various human diseases, ranging from thrombotic complications to neurodegeneration, from metabolic dysfunction to ageing, and from infection to cancer. This meeting serves as a forum to showcase exciting discoveries in the field of plasminogen activation, metalloproteases, and other key extracellular proteases, as well as protease-based molecular imaging, diagnosis, and therapeutics. The GRC brings together leading researchers in this multidisciplinary and expanding field of scientific research for a highly personal and interactive meeting in a casual atmosphere. This conference has an excellent record of stimulating thought-provoking discussions, establishing collegial interactions, and launching new collaborations to advance our understanding of the role of extracellular proteolysis in biological functions, disease mechanisms, and new treatments.
This GRC also provides excellent avenues for budding investigators and offers ample opportunities for them to interact with world-renowned scientists. The speakers of the Late Breaking Topics session will be selected from the conference abstracts based on their merit.* The conference will also offer special awards for the best posters presented by students and postdoctoral fellows. Please join us in 2026!
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 November 2, 2025. 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.
