2025 Salivary Glands and Exocrine Biology Gordon Research Conference and Seminar - PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal seeks support for the 14th Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on “Salivary Glands and Exocrine Biology”, subtitled Preclinical Modeling, Engineering & Therapeutics for Glandular Diseases. The GRC takes place at the Sheraton Hotel venue in Ventura, CA on January 26-31, 2025, and a prelude is the 4th pre-conference Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) for trainees on January 25-26. The overall objective of the 2025 GRC/GRS is to catalyze innovative thinking in areas where basic, pre-clinical, and translational research lead to improvements in human health, promote high-quality collaboration among researchers using new approaches to advance the field, to honor pioneering work in the field, and to transmit knowledge and inspiration to a younger generation in continuing a legacy of innovative science. An important goal is to provide trainees sufficient interactions with experts in the field and encourage participation of those who are traditionally under-represented in science, including women, members of minority groups, and persons with disabilities. With the 2025 GRC/GRS, a precedent is taken to integrate a vast variety of new innovations on 3 different levels. First, the plenary sessions covering the 2025 GRC builds on a myriad of current status-quo research topics and integrates new technical novelties across a variety of exocrine tissues (e.g., salivary, lacrimal, and submucosal glands, lung, and pancreas). Both basic and pre-clinical research, as well as clinical adaptation of therapeutics are covered in the areas of cancer, radiation-induced xerostomia, Sjögren disease, aging, and diagnostics. A fitting ratio based on seniority, gender, and geographical position from around the globe is considered for invited speakers, and all attendees can participate in poster sessions. Mini-talks are included to highlight late breaking abstracts. The second focus lies with training the next generation of diverse scientists by enhancing trainee networking, discussions on careers within and outside academia (GRS), and a ‘senior investigator-trainee’ lunch discussion (GRC). Thirdly, professional growth for GRC/GRS attendees is made available through a plethora of previously incorporated GRC activities mixed with new opportunities, including a Power Hour, podcast series, think-tanks on relevant topics in the field, and a corporate-guided state-of-the- art technique session. Overall, this conference seeks to bring together a diverse group of senior experts and trainees to present the current state of scientific findings, formulate new ideas and discussions, form high-quality collaborations, and drive innovation in the field to improve human health.
