The 2013 Gordon Conference on Pancreatic Diseases will present cutting-edge research on the clinical, molecular and cellular perspective of functional and pathological aspects of pancreas biology. The broad scope of this conference is to support the development of a multi-disciplinary research community addressing medical, biological, chemical and pharmacological topics related to the diversity and complexity of pancreatic diseases. Invited speakers represent a variety of scientific disciplines, including disparate research communities of basic scientists, endocrinologists, oncologists and surgeons specializing in the cell biology, pancreas development, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diabetes, cancer and pancreatitis. The Conference will provide a forum for communication of original works on the developmental, biological and pathophysiological relationship between the exocrine and endocrine component of the pancreas. Through the contribution of leading experts, we expect to identify novel concepts for the pharmacological and cell-based treatment of pancreatic diseases. The Conference will bring together an array of investigators who are at the forefront of their field, and will provide opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work in poster format and exchange ideas with leaders in the field. Some poster presenters will be selected for short talks. The atmosphere of this Conference, with programmed discussion sessions as well as opportunities for informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides an avenue for scientists from different disciplines to brainstorm and promotes cross-disciplinary collaborations in the various research areas represented.