The Gordon Research Seminar on Epithelial Differentiation & Keratinization is a unique forum for graduate students, post-docs, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience and education to present and exchange new data and cutting edge ideas. The 2013 GRS will encompass diverse themes including: epithelial morphogenesis and stem cells; epithelial cancers; epigenetic regulatory mechanisms; and genomic approaches in epithelial biology. As part of our meeting, Dr. Valerie Horsley from Yale University will precept a Scientific Writing Workshop in which she will outline strategies for writing successful grants and scientific papers. The 2013 Epithelial Differentiation & Keratinization GRS will provide graduate students and post-docs with an invaluable learning and networking experience that will help to further their careers in research.