2025 Physical Science of Cancer Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar - Project Summary Cancer remains a global health challenge. While this may traditionally be viewed as a biochemical and genetic problem, cancer is characterized by profound changes in the physical properties of tissues. Indeed, these changes have been at the heart of cancer detection for centuries, from the palpation of tissue, which is still used for mammary self-screening, to X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, as the field of bioengineering develops, multiple new approaches for cancer therapy become possible. Thus, it is imperative that forums that enable multidisciplinary and convergent approaches to the understanding of cancer, its detection, and treatment can be discussed. This GRC will provide that platform and deliver the following key objectives: 1. Exchange the latest unpublished findings and set goals to advance knowledge further. 2. Overcome systemic barriers between fields, encouraging interaction between cancer biologists, physicists, clinicians, and bioengineers. 3. Nurture trainees and empower talent from all backgrounds to succeed. Specifically, we will bring together world leaders, both established and rising stars, in diverse topics relating to the physical sciences of oncology. They will share unpublished data and we will foster an environment for constructive and innovative discussions. Early career researchers will have numerous opportunities to both present their data and build their networks. This will include the GRS preceding the GRC and extend throughout the GRC. Targeted deployment of bursary funds will enable the participation of researchers from the widest range of backgrounds. Session topics have been selected based on their anticipated impact and the key challenges facing the field. Discussion leaders will play a key role in setting the scene, enabling constructive discussion involving participants from all career stages, and providing a brief, forward-looking, summary to each session. Inclusive mentorship will be a focus, with the goal of training and fostering the next generation of researchers at the interface of physical sciences and cancer biology. Thus, the conference will have a long-term impact by producing new ideas and collaborations across disciplines and institutions, and through developing the leaders of the future in the field. Collectively, this conference will enable the synthesis of recent progress and new ideas involving the physical sciences of oncology into new directions for both discovery and translation research. The integrated application of the fields of soft matter and polymer physics, biomechanics, mathematics, bioengineering, and cancer biology will enable transformative discoveries. In addition, our convergence and fostering of new talent from diverse backgrounds will drive the field forward in the coming years.
