PROJECT SUMMARY
The 2024 GRC on Biointerface Science will bring together a wide spectrum of researchers in the rapidly moving
field of biological interfaces, both natural and engineered. Biointerface Science encompasses the chemistry and
physics of cell-surface interactions and how to characterize and manipulate such interfaces. The study of
interfaces between biological systems and synthetic materials is central for a wide variety of areas that spans
from biosensors and separations, to tissue engineering, immunotherapy, and also in understanding fundamental
design principles in cell biology and biomedical engineering. Accordingly, the 2024 GRC on Biointerface Science
is well aligned with the mission of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). During
the week, we will identify new scientific and technological developments associated with biointerfaces and
provide an open forum to discuss the best ways to tackle these emerging opportunities. The confluence of a
diverse group of attendees: scientists, engineers, and materials experts; students, post-docs, young
investigators, and thought-leaders; and underrepresented groups, should facilitate energetic and thought-
provoking discussions on the translation of biomolecular breakthroughs into real-world applications in medicine
and technology.
In the 2024 GRC, we will specifically address new emerging topics that will include: (1) DNA nanostructures at
biointerfaces; (2) mechanical signaling at interfaces; (3) nanoscale machines and robotics at biointerfaces; (4)
immune receptor signaling at engineered interfaces; (5) translational biointerfaces; and (6) emerging tools and
concepts in biointerfaces.
Each session of the GRC on Biointerface Science will be introduced by an expert Discussion Leader who will
provide a general overview to integrate the research communities and stimulate conceptual discussions.
Speakers with international recognition in the field will join young investigators and scientists gaining important
experience by attending this conference. Shorter talks will be selected from abstracts to highlight emerging
topics, especially from early-career researchers. Our goal is to offer a platform to evoke productive collaborations
and long-term partnerships. The associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Biointerface Science will
provide an intimate venue for junior investigators and young scientists to establish informal networks for long-
term collaborations and a lifetime of scientific citizenship. This provides an additional forum (Saturday before the
main meeting) for students to present orally, in addition to poster sessions and regular participation in the main
meeting.
