Carotenoids delight our senses as colorful pigments and exert vital physiological functions in all kingdoms of living nature. These lipids have been the focus of research efforts in the fields of chemistry, plant biology, biochemistry, physiology, nutrition, and medicine for over a century. The Gordon Research Conference on Carotenoids has been held triennially since 1992. The 2016 9th Gordon Research Conference on Carotenoids will uphold the tradition of bringing together multidisciplinary investigators at the forefront of carotenoid science. The conference will showcase exciting developments and updates with presentations on carotenoid biosynthesis and regulation; carotenoids in photosynthesis and plastids, breeding and metabolic engineering for human health; apocarotenoid biogenesis and functions; pro-vitamin A biology, carotenoids and disease prevention and aging; and carotenoids in vision and retinal health. Academic, industrial and government participants are welcome and all are strongly encouraged to present their most recent unpublished findings as posters for which ample time has been allotted. Selected posters will be chosen for short oral presentations during the conference.

This conference is an outstanding opportunity to promote growth, development, and open communication of frontier developments in carotenoid science. The collegial atmosphere of this conference, with programmed discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides a forum for scientists from different disciplines to brainstorm and promotes cross-disciplinary collaborations between carotenoid researchers world-wide. Applications are welcome from postdoctoral fellows and graduate students and it is anticipated that travel awards will be available to selected participants. Early application is recommended as attendance is limited. This year's GRC will be again preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on carotenoids specifically geared for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. GRS participants are invited to also apply to attend the GRC to further network and interact with the larger carotenoid community.