2025 CAG Triplet Repeat Disorders Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The goals of this conference are the following: 1) to enhance the exchange of information related to CAG expansion diseases. This is one of the few opportunities where scientists from a broad range of disciplines can attend a conference on all the CAG repeat disorders. They will hear about advances in other repeat disorders that illuminate common mechanisms and unravel the ones relevant to each of these diseases; 2) to stimulate global collaborative research to advance our understanding of human CAG triplet repeat diseases. The Gordon Research Conference on CAG Triplet Repeat Disorders has an outstanding record of fostering successful exchange and collaboration and has encouraged breakthrough research; 3) to provide junior investigators with an opportunity to present their latest work and interact with leading scientists, and to promote diversity among investigators of CAG triplet diseases. We will attract the best young minds in the field with a comprehensive and intellectually stimulating program. They will have ample opportunities to present their concepts and results in both poster and oral presentation formats, and the opportunity to receive mentorship and support in developing their research career. 4) to increase our understanding of the function and dysfunction of the disease-causing DNA, RNA, and proteins to advance the development of disease-modifying therapeutics. We are committed to developing a diverse program and inclusive atmosphere at the conference. We have already succeeded in having 50% of confirmed speakers and discussion leaders thus far who are women, and three confirmed/invited speakers/discussion leaders are from Asia. As we continue to invite speakers, we will ensure that >50% are women and that >5% are of minority racial and ethnic backgrounds since >50% of the talks will be chosen from abstracts. A Power Hour will be organized, which is an hour-long informal gathering to address diversity and inclusion in the scientific workplace by providing a safe environment for informal and meaningful conversations amongst colleagues of all career stages, supporting the professional growth of all members of our communities. Overall, the conference will provide a unique opportunity to gather a wide range of diverse scientists at all career stages from the global community to share and discuss the latest developments in CAG Triplet Repeat Disorders in an inclusive and stimulating environment.
