2026 Multiscale Mechanochemistry and Mechanobiology Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar - PROJECT SUMMARY Mechanochemistry and mechanobiology examine how mechanical forces program chemical reactivity and biological function across molecular, cellular, and tissue scales. In mechanobiology, mechanical structure- function relationships govern sensing, signaling, maintenance, and repair and are implicated in conditions affecting cancer, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Mechanochemistry focuses on how synthetic molecules and polymers respond to force, enabling the bottom-up design of materials with tunable mechanical properties, self-reporting and self-healing capabilities, and sensor or actuator functions. At their interface, these fields aim to integrate smart synthetic materials with living systems, advancing diagnostics, therapeutics, and tissue regeneration – goals that align closely with NIBIB’s focus on bioengineering and quantitative imaging. The GRC on Multiscale Mechanochemistry & Mechanobiology and its associated GRS aim to advance the fundamental understanding and application of force-driven chemistry and mechanobiological signaling pathways across multiple hierarchical length scales, from molecules to tissues. The objectives of this interdisciplinary meeting are to (i) elucidate mechanochemical reaction pathways and force-coupled kinetics; (ii) define biomolecular force-transduction and downstream signaling; (iii) develop mechanoresponsive, self- reporting, and self-healing materials with tunable properties; (iv) refine quantitative measurements and imaging of forces in living systems; and (v) accelerate the translation of innovative methodologies into mechanodiagnostics, mechanotherapeutics, and tissue regeneration. These objectives will be achieved by bringing together researchers from various backgrounds, including chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering, effectively fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. The program centers on invited plenary sessions that integrate contributions from early-career researchers selected for their scientific merit, methodological rigor, and program fit. Importantly, the GRC/GRS will provide a platform for presenting unpublished data across a wide range of emerging topics and will promote extended discussions focused on the frontiers of the field. This will be complemented by a trainee-led GRS, interactive poster sessions, and focused panels on measurement standards, reproducibility, and paths to biomedical impact. The meeting prioritizes early-career participation through structured speaking opportunities and mentoring. Expected outcomes include a shared agenda of critical questions, dissemination of session themes through meeting channels, and new collaborations that advance rigorous, quantitative approaches to mechanochemistry and mechanobiology.
