The 2014 Gordon Research Conference on the Chemistry and Biology of Tetrapyrroles will provide a stimulating forum for the presentation and discussion of cutting edge advances on hemes, chlorophylls, bilins, corrins (vitamin B12) and other related cofactors of life. As is traditional the conference will feature a wide range of topics including the biosynthesis of these natural products, the chemical synthesis of derivative and model systems, medical aspects associated with tetrapyrrole metabolism and the industrial application of these molecules for bioenergy, bioremediation and photodynamic therapy. The conference will bring together biochemists, microbiologists, chemists and physicians at the forefront of their fields, providing many opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to discuss their research and exchange ideas via poster sessions and informal meetings. Some poster presenters will be selected for talks. The collegial 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.