2024 Biomineralization Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar - Project Summary
The objective of the 2024 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Biomineralization (‘Revealing the Unifying
Principles of Biomineralization through Model Systems’) and the associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS;
‘Exploring Mechanisms Behind Mineral Formation in Biological Systems‘), is to bring together early career and
established scientists from around the globe with multidisciplinary backgrounds and diverse expertise in order to
bridge the relevant scientific disciplines that are required for understanding biomineral (e.g., teeth, bone, shells,
pathological minerals, etc.) formation, function, and application. These fields include, but are not limited to,
biology, chemistry, physics, dentistry, medicine, geology, engineering, and environmental sciences. To achieve
this objective, the GRC/GRS meeting will focus on three specific aims: Aim 1: Assemble a cutting edge scientific
program to: (i) identify universal scientific principles and mechanisms that are common to biomineralization
processes in evolutionary diverse organisms, (ii) identify the most advanced in vitro and in vivo model systems,
as well as state-of-the-art analytical technologies to study biomineralization mechanisms across scales, (iii)
explore scientific principles for the purpose of translational research. Aim 2: Create an environment that will
foster fruitful interactions among graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career investigators with
established scientists. The GRS is a key component that will establish a supportive and open community that
will continue throughout the GRC. Aim 3: Empower women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to fully
participate in the high-quality scientific program through both formal (e.g., invited talks, selected poster
presentations, the “Power Hour”) and informal (e.g., shared meals and afternoon activities) opportunities. The
proposed program includes 44% female speakers and 46% female discussion leaders. Speakers and poster
presenters will share a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art topics to cover genetic, biochemical, and cellular
mechanisms of formation, structure, and function of biomineralized tissues. The impact of biomineralization on
health and disease, the translational aspects of biomaterials applications, and interactions of biominerals with
the environment will also be covered. We will highlight new developments studying the main biominerals (Ca-
carbonates, Ca-phosphates, SiO2, Fe3O4), from single-celled prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms to
increasingly complex multicellular invertebrates and finally vertebrate animals and humans. A particular focus
will be on unveiling fundamental biomineralization mechanisms that have been preserved through evolutionary
times and understand how they have been adapted to fulfill a multitude of biological functions in a large variety
of organisms. As a complement to the presentation sessions, the daily poster sessions are central elements of
the GRC and GRS meetings. They will serve to broaden and deepen discussions about emerging topics in the
field. About 10-15 poster contributions will be selected for short oral presentations based on quality and with
priority being given to early career scientists, as well as those from underrepresented groups.
