In recent years the proteoglycan community has experienced translation of basic science and understanding of mechanisms regulated by proteoglycans into potential diagnostics, devices, commercial products and therapeutics. The PG Gordon has been fertile ground for instigation of many of these advances. The 2016 program will focus on research areas at the forefront of the field, covering basic aspects of PG research (including new technologies and tools) which provide a foundation to understand their mechanisms of action, and underpin advances in translation to applications. The selected topics will cover several broad areas including new roles of PGs in bioengineering, chronic disease and aging; deciphering the molecular mechanisms of tissue homeostasis, regeneration and inflammation; and defining the role of PGs on intra- and extracellular trafficking and cellular signaling.

The 19th PG GRC will follow the broad format established for the previous highly successful meetings, but with innovations including new session topics, younger investigators as co-leaders of session discussions, and poster previews. A high proportion of invited speakers will be new to the conference, promoting diversity of scientific interactions. Short talks will be selected from submitted abstracts, based on criteria including novelty, fit with session topics and promoting the work of graduate students, postdocs and new investigators. The Chairs are also raising funds with the goal of providing travel bursaries to support the participation of young scientists. The conference will bring together investigators at all career levels and provide a relaxed and exceptionally collegial environment to promote multi-disciplinary collaborations. The outstanding camaraderie of the proteoglycan community provides an unparalleled opportunity for young scientists to network with senior investigators. Open dissemination of ideas between all participants will be maximized, identifying new research directions to advance development of the field.