Summary
We request funds to support attendance of field-leading scientists and diverse trainees across career stage at
the 2024 Gordon Research Conference on the Cell Biology of the Neuron, Waterville Valley, NH, June 23-June
28, 2024. We also request support for up-and-coming junior scientists to attend this meeting and the
associated Gordon Research Seminar for early career investigators and trainees, which immediately precedes
the GRC (June 22-23). The Cell Biology of the Neuron meeting has long been, and will continue to be, a
prominent platform for critical, pre-publication discussion on the recent discoveries that contribute to move
forward understanding of neuronal cell biology.
These conferences will highlight breaking data and technologies that address the interface between cell
biology and neuroscience. Molecular and cellular understanding of neuronal function is critically essential for
successful efforts to tackle neuronal dysfunction as accompanies aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
Moreover, it is imperative to elaborate the complex cell biology that drives health and function of neurons to
understand the neuronal activity that underlies virtually every aspect of human life. The 2024 conference will
highlight emerging topics in this interdisciplinary area, via invited and abstract-selected talks and posters on
topics including synaptic assemblies that mediate neuronal communication and plasticity, transport machines
and structural organization of axons and synapses, mechanisms controlling neuronal shape, size, and
connectivity, localized biochemistry, proteotoxicity, macromolecular and organelle turnover and homeostasis,
vesicle transfer, and neuron-glia interaction. The multidisciplinary theme and shared focus will facilitate
communication across the entire continuum of molecular and cellular neuronal biology.
Our conference aims are to: 1) to stimulate progress in the field of neuronal cell biology by bringing together an
exceptional group of scientists in a program that emphasizes emerging themes in neuronal function and
dysfunction in health and disease; and 2) to inspire junior scientists and trainees by increasing and fostering
cross-disciplinary scientific interactions, and fueling extension of the diversity of ideas, background, and
training in the interdisciplinary field of neuronal cell biology. We plan an interactive and inclusive environment
characterized by lively discussions among invited speakers, discussion leaders, poster presenters, and all
meeting participants. We anticipate that the meetings will constitute a dynamic exchange of ideas and will lead
to exciting new research directions. Participants will gain current understanding of the unique biology of
neurons, and ideas to improve strategies for addressing devastating neuronal diseases may be forwarded.