2024 Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminars on Lipoprotein Metabolism - ABSTRACT Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide. Development of new therapeutic approaches to combat CVD requires fundamental research and innovation, the results of which can be translated to improvement of human health. The Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Lipoprotein Metabolism is recognized as a premier meeting for disseminating cutting-edge research, sparking collaborations, and fostering new paradigms in this fast-moving field. The 2024 GRC will continue this tradition of highlighting research excellence in diverse areas of lipoprotein metabolism. The conference, to be held in Waterville Valley, NH from June 2-7, will focus on important new developments in lipoprotein metabolism relevant to CVD, as well as diabetes, obesity and neurological diseases. Oral presentations (in 9 integrated sessions) will highlight state- of-the-art scientific approaches, exploring molecular, structural and cell biological studies, model systems of metabolism, and preclinical and human studies of new therapeutic targets. The overarching goal is to bring together scientists from diverse research areas, career stages, and geographical locations who share a passion for discovering and applying new paradigms in lipoprotein metabolism to improve human health. The GRC will be preceded by the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), a forum for trainees to present their research in a setting of mentorship and inspiration provided by peers and selected faculty in attendance. The First Aim of the 2024 GRC on Lipoprotein Metabolism is the communication of cutting-edge, unpublished science on lipoprotein metabolism. This includes 34 presentations in 9 oral sessions, each with an identified theme and a discussion leader who will facilitate dialogue and encourage participation by all attendees. Five of the oral sessions will feature short presentations by trainees and early career investigators, selected from submitted abstracts by a panel of established investigators. The roster of confirmed speakers is an impressive array of leading researchers from a range of career stages, with robust representation of women and other under-represented groups. Our Second Aim is to achieve broad participation and engagement opportunities for all attendees. GRCs place high priority on the principles of diversity and inclusion and the creation of a welcoming environment. The 2024 GRC on Lipoprotein Metabolism is firmly committed to ensuring diversity with respect to career stage and research sector, encouraging interactions and scientific discourse among attendees at all career stages. Importantly, we will ensure that women and other under-represented groups achieve appropriate representation in all aspects of the GRS and GRC. Further, we will host a Power Hour session to discuss challenges faced by these groups, as well as mitigation strategies.
