The 2016 Chemistry and Biology of Tetrapyrroles Gordon Research Conference is the 50th anniversary of this conference. The focus of this will meeting will be to provide a forum for scientists with a research focus on tetrapyrroles (heme, chlorophyll, B12, corrins, bilins) to learn where the field is moving and to interact in ways that establish new cross-disciplinary collaborations. Sessions will be led by leaders in their respective fields, speakers represent an international group of individuals ranging from senior investigators to junior scientists. Cutting-edge talks on tetrapyrrole chemistry, heme metabolism in normal and disease states, heme and iron acquisition by parasitic organisms, tetrapyrrole metabolism in photosynthetic organisms and microorganisms, and heme metabolism related to human physiology and disease will be presented. The speakers will be present throughout the week so that attendees will have opportunities for individual and group discussions. The 2016 Conference will build upon a long and rich tradition of Chemistry and Biology of Tetrapyrrole Gordon Research Conferences in bringing together a group of scientists with diverse interests and strengths. It will provide opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work in poster format and exchange ideas with leaders in the field. Based upon submitted abstracts, short talks will be identified for each session to ensure that the most recent advances in the field are presented. The collegial atmosphere of this conference, with programmed discussions, poster sessions and opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides an excellent venue to renew/enhance/develop collaborative science.