The Silk Proteins and the Transition to Biotechnologies 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.
This meeting will stimulate the discussion on how silk-based material properties are influenced by molecular structures, organization and assemblies. By focusing on fundamental and applied mechanisms, it will pave the pathway to translation of silk materials into biotechnologies. This includes, but is not limited to, the development of therapeutics, textiles, materials for tissue engineering, self-reporting and self-healing materials, and soft electronics. A wide set of disciplines, including biophysics and organic chemistry, will be used to tackle key methods for accelerating this transition to silk biotechnologies. Both theoretical and experimental strategies will be discussed to provide an understanding of the structure-function relationship in silk-based materials; furthermore, interdisciplinary presentations will offer new biological insights into the organisms that produce and process silk, as well as the versatile applicability of silk replicas.
We expect that open discussions about common understandings and the gaps in knowledge will drive further fundamental research and the synthesis of multifunctional and bio-inspired materials. The goal of this GRS is to provide an intellectually, professionally and personally supportive environment for early career researchers. We will begin with a keynote lecture by a leader in the field to initiate scientific discussions, followed by presentations from early career researchers with diverse backgrounds. We plan to complement the scientific program with activities designed to create an informal platform for scientific discussion. Finally, a career panel will serve to establish mentoring relationships and present career changing opportunities.
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 March 30, 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.
