The 2018 Gordon Research Conference on Extracellular Vesicles will present cutting edge research on the biogenesis, molecular composition, functions, physio-pathological roles and potential clinical applications of extracellular vesicles. The conference will address the most recent knowledge on mechanisms involved in extracellular vesicle formation and composition, on technical improvements in their isolation and characterization, on definition of extracellular vesicle cargo and on their implications in aging, inflammation, autoimmunity and cancer as well as new knowledge on infectious diseases. The potential diagnostic implications of molecular characterization of extracellular vesicles in different pathological conditions and strategies to exploit vesicles as nanocarriers for therapeutic agents will be highlighted. Invited speakers represent a variety of scientific and clinical backgrounds including biochemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology, hematology, oncology, renal-, pulmonary-, cardiovascular- and neuro-biology. The conference will bring together investigators at the forefront of their field and will provide opportunities for junior scientists to present and discuss their work in poster format and exchange ideas with leaders in the field. Some poster presenters will be selected for short talks. Extended discussion during the sessions and during afternoon social opportunities will enhance cross disciplinary collaborations among the various research areas as well as promoting interaction among researchers with different scientific backgrounds, allowing development of new ideas.