The 2013 Gordon Conference on Cellulosomes, Cellulases, and other Carbohydrate Modifying Enzymes will present cutting-edge research on the enzymatic degradation of cellulose and other plant cell wall components. The Conference will feature a range of current topics that includes the biosynthesis and ultrastructure of polysaccharide substrates, the enzymology of plant structural degradation, regulation of the degradative apparatus, (meta)genomic approaches to discover new enzymes from both plants and cell wall-degrading organisms, structural and functional carbohydrate enzymology, as well as advances in applications in the biorefinery context. Indeed, the role of frontier research as a fundament for new industrial products and processes is a particularly important aspect of the meeting. In line with the continued evolution of this GRC, the 2013 Conference will include recent advances in diverse biomass degrading enzymes, in addition to a historically strong emphasis on cellulase research. Thus, contributions on hemicellulases, pectinases, chitinases, and marine polysaccharidases will be particularly welcome. Invited speakers will represent both this diversity of substrates, and the variety of scientific disciplines currently being applied to the most challenging problems in the field. The collegial atmosphere of this Conference, which includes ample time for formal discussion sessions and informal gatherings in the afternoons and evenings, provides an excellent environment for scientists from different disciplines - and both from academic and industrial backgrounds - to interact, thereby promoting cross-disciplinary collaborations. Moreover, the meeting and the associated GRS will provide opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work and exchange ideas with more established figures in the field. To incorporate the most recent advances and to provide speaking opportunities to young researchers, a number of oral presentations at this GRC will be selected from the submitted abstracts. The Conference is likely to be heavily subscribed, so it is strongly suggested that applications to attend be submitted as soon as possible. Priority will generally be given to attendees who demonstrate active participation in the meeting through the submission of a presentation abstract.