The cellular microenvironment, by providing a window to understanding cell and tissue function, has captured our attention as we try to unravel the mysteries of development and how these can be applied to tissue repair and regeneration. By defining the stem cell niche, we are poised to engineer more biomimetic tissue constructs. By understanding signal transduction, we are better equipped to design strategies against cancer. By bringing together biologists and bioengineers in both academia and industry, this Gordon Conference seeks to advance our understanding of cell function and how it can be manipulated. This multidisciplinary field demands creativity and participation from scientists in industry and academia working at the interface of biology and engineering.