The 2016 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) "Microbial Toxins and Pathogenicity" and its companion Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) are designed to showcase exciting, innovative basic and applied research in the infectious disease fields while promoting intensive discussion and networking between new and veteran researchers from academia, government, medicine and biotech. This biennial international conference continues to be regarded by the microbial pathogenesis community as our premier venue for intellectual exchange. To be held July 9-15 at the Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire, the 2016 Conference is led by Chair Virginia Miller, PhD and Vice Chair Andrew Camilli, PhD. Nine sessions will feature 31 invited speakers plus 4 selected from the GRS, chosen to integrate cutting-edge research on: bacterial toxins, virulence regulation, pathogenesis, pathogen evolution, pathogen encounters with host cells, basics of bacterial pathogens, and innate immune responses. Poster sessions will promote extended discussions between colleagues within and across disciplines and ranks. To integrate and develop the next generation of scientists in our field, the GRC will be preceded by a GRS. Together the Seminar and Conference promise to provide an exceptional forum for a diverse population of scientists to learn about cutting edge discoveries in the field, and consider and challenge the current paradigms, barriers and opportunities to advancing knowledge of molecular mechanisms of microbial infection. 

New this year: To promote diversity among participants (ethnic diversity; inclusion of international participants or participants from smaller schools) travel fellowships of $500 each will be available to attend the meeting. To apply for the fellowship you must first apply and be accepted to the GRC, then apply to the meeting Chair for the fellowship (send CV and short note of how you would contribute to diversity). These applications will be due before May 15th, 2016. Awardees will be notified by May 20th, 2016.