2026 Microbial Toxins and Pathogenicity Gordon Research Conference and Seminar - PROJECT SUMMARY The 2026 Microbial Toxins and Pathogenicity Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and its accompanying Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) “Molecular Basis of Host-Microbe and Host-Toxin Interactions in Disease Pathogenesis” are designed to showcase exciting, innovative basic, and applied research in the infectious disease field while promoting thoughtful discussion and networking between new and veteran researchers from the academic, biotech and government sectors. Since its inception in 1972, this biennial international conference continues to be regarded by the microbial pathogenesis community as our premier venue for intellectual exchange. To be held July 12-17, 2026, at the Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire, the 2026 conference is led by Chair Victor J. Torres, PhD, Chair of the Department of Host-Microbe Interactions at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Vice-Chair Sunny Shin, PhD, Professor of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Nine sessions will feature over 30 invited speakers, ranging in career stage and discipline chosen to integrate cutting-edge research on: bacterial toxins and physiology, new approaches to study pathogens in the molecular, cellular and meta-organism contexts of the host including the associated microbiome, and how pathogens engage and evade host innate immune responses. To highlight the accomplishments of the next generation of scientists in our field, the GRC will be preceded by a GRS – a unique forum planned, led and attended by pre- and post-doctoral trainees. The 2026 GRS Co-Chairs are Dr. Sarah Price, Postdoctoral Fellow, Vanderbilt University, and Dr. Andrea Anaya-Sanchez, PhD candidate at the University of California, Berkeley. The primary goals of the Microbial Toxins & Pathogenicity GRC/GRS are 1) to promote interdisciplinary interactions between scientists studying different facets of infectious disease; 2) to afford early career scientists opportunities to present their work to disciplinary experts; 3) provide a forum to stimulate ideas and collaborations, and 4) to provide training and career development opportunities for both new faculty and trainees. An intentional and anticipated outcome of the conference is for scientists within the Host-Microbe and Host-Toxin Interactions field to have the opportunity to develop professional relationships. Afternoon poster sessions will promote extended scientific discussions and networking between colleagues within and across disciplines and ranks. Together the GRS and GRC will provide an exceptional forum for a community of scientists to learn about exciting discoveries in the field, and consider and challenge the current paradigms, barriers and opportunities to advancing knowledge of molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis.
