2025 Cancer Nanotechnology Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar - Project Abstract The objectives of the Cancer Nanotechnology Gordon Research Conference (CN-GRC) are to: 1) bring together internationally renowned experts and young scientists to discuss groundbreaking discoveries in research, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer using nanotechnology; 2) highlight developments and opportunities for advancing nanomedicine technology to the marketplace; and 3) engage and educate a diverse group of students, postdoctoral trainees, and scientists from around the world. The target audience includes chemists, biologists, physicists, engineers, clinicians, and regulatory scientists from academia, industry, and government who employ nanotechnology for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer. Graduate students and postdocs comprise an important proportion of attendees, so the Cancer Nanotechnology Gordon Research Symposium (CN-GRS) was established as a dedicated forum for junior researchers, which will enhance the participation of young scientists at the upcoming conference. To address innovative developments and emerging trends in Cancer Nanomedicine the overall theme of the 2025 CN-GRC is “Nanoscale Discoveries to Transform Clinical Outcomes.” The meeting will include forward-looking sessions on the frontiers of cancer nanotechnology, including sessions focused on developing personalized nanomedicines for clinical translation, improving early diagnosis, and building new research tools to make novel discoveries. Revolutionary advances in cancer nanotechnology require collaboration among researchers working in diverse fields including materials science, chemistry, imaging, cell biology, tissue engineering, drug, and gene delivery, as well as clinical research. This meeting is unique because it provides a relatively small and focused venue for researchers to get to know each other personally and professionally, yet large enough for a comprehensive discussion of scientific, translational, and clinical aspects. The GRC format and spirit are well-suited to the interdisciplinary nature of cancer nanotechnology research, including the tradition of sharing unpublished data discussing emerging scientific questions, an environment that supports informal discussions, a longstanding custom of excellent interactions across all levels of seniority, from new students to world-renowned PIs, a mentoring component within the CN- GRS, active participation and an exceptional training environment for students and postdocs through the CN- GRS and short talks at the CN-GRC. The PIs include CN-GRC chairs, vice chairs, and CN-GRS chairs with substantial experience in cancer nanotechnology research, conference organization, and mentoring. This proposal requests funding for the 2025 CN-GRC and accompanying CN-GRS to enhance the participation of junior and underrepresented scientists. Our specific aims are to: 1) Bring together highly qualified, world- renowned speakers to share cutting-edge research in cancer nanotechnology, 2) Foster discussion, exchange of ideas, and promote collaborations, and 3) Enhance the training and development of young scientists and promote diversity.
