Atherosclerosis and its complications remain the major cause of mortality in the Western World. It is a unique form of chronic inflammation involving both genetic and environmental mechanisms and many diverse cellular and molecular processes. The 2013 Atherosclerosis Gordon Research Conference will provide a comprehensive overview of current research on atherosclerosis with a focus on the latest and most exciting developments in the field. Novel observations will be presented regarding well-established contributors to atherogenesis, such as endothelial dysfunction, imbalanced lipid metabolism and clearance, maladaptive immune responses and the interplay between inflammation and thrombosis. In addition, emerging areas with particular promise to shift these "imbalances" will be discussed, such as altering the phenotypes of macrophage subsets, modulating circulating microRNAs to modify disease progression, and probing epigenetics in assessment of human disease progression. The conference enjoys a worldwide reputation, and brings together participants from all career levels and from a variety of backgrounds for high-quality, intensive discussions of research at the frontiers of knowledge in atherosclerosis. Deliberate selection of a wide variety of participants has enabled a cross-fertilization among scientists from different disciplines that is unusual in other forums. It is the goal of the conference organizers that nearly every person attending the conference participates either as a speaker, discussion leader or poster presenter. Promoting interactions among young investigators, trainees and established investigators has been a strength of this Gordon Conference, and we will continue to foster this tradition. For every session, one to two speaking slots will be left open for late-breaking developments and selection of talks from the submitted abstracts. This latter effort will particularly target participation from more junior investigators and trainees. Prizes in the form of registration and/or travel refund, will be given for the highest-rated posters in the student and fellow categories. Throughout the conference, interactions between senior and young investigators will be promoted in both formal and informal settings. The overall goal of the conference organizers is to provide extraordinary opportunities for learning and for developing relationships and collaborations.