The 2016 STIM GRC will explore recent advances in understanding microbial systems of signal transduction. Focus will be placed on intracellular networks, intercellular competition and cooperation, and multicellularity in the bacterial world. Topics will include gene regulation, mechanisms of motility, energy monitoring, and community behavior. These areas will be addressed through cutting-edge applications of molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and chemical biology as well as structural, imaging and biophysical approaches. Emerging directions such as synthetic biology and the engineering of signaling networks for biotechnology will be explored. Invited speakers will include both established and early-stage investigators. In addition, poster presenters will compete for short late-breaking topic talks. We will also host a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) for postdocs and graduate students to precede the GRC meeting. Participants will enjoy the Conference's open and collegial atmosphere that provides valuable opportunities to engage in scientific discussion and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.