International Retinoids Conference VIII - PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT The Eighth International FASEB Science Research Conference on Retinoids will be held August 3–6, 2026, in Niagara Falls, NY, co-located with the FASEB conference on Nutritional Modulation of Inflammation and Immunity. Originating in 1982, this meeting continues to serve as the leading international forum for advancing fundamental and translational research on vitamin A and retinoids. The 2026 program will feature major developments in established areas such as immune regulation, development, metabolic and nutritional disorders, and visual biology, while also highlighting emerging fields including epithelial and gastrointestinal health, neurodegeneration, stem cell biology, and regenerative pathways. A strong emphasis will be placed on mechanistic and translational applications of retinoid and rexinoid therapeutics, new analytical and imaging tools, and advances in the structural biology of retinoid enzymes, binding proteins, and transporters. A special co-located joint session, Retinoid and Immunity, will unite investigators from both conferences to examine the interplay between vitamin A biology, immune function, and host–pathogen interactions. The conference will provide attendees with an integrated understanding of the genetic, environmental, and microbiome-related factors that influence retinoid uptake, metabolism, and biological responses. It will convene scientists across career stages and disciplines, including biochemistry, structural biology, nutrition, cancer research, immunology, chemical biology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, and clinical research. A central mission of the meeting is to support early-career investigators through short-talk opportunities, poster spotlights, mentoring events, and meet-the-expert sessions. Selected trainee abstracts will be highlighted through oral presentations to increase visibility and promote career development. Partial NIH support is requested to sustain the conference's long-standing mission, broaden participation—especially among early-stage investigators—and continue fostering interdisciplinary progress in retinoid science.
