The Gordon Research Conference on Motile and Contractile Systems is a leading forum in cell biology that focuses on dynamic cytoskeletal systems. Dynamic actin filaments, microtubules, and motor proteins drive the formation of cell shapes, movements and cell division. How are these polymer systems assembled, organized and regulated? How do they exert mechanical forces to move and shape the cell? This meeting brings together cell biologists, geneticists, physicists, biochemists, engineers, structural biologists and imagers to discuss the latest findings in this truly interdisciplinary field. Topics include mitosis, cytokinesis, cell shape, cell adhesion, cell migration, and intracellular transport. Diverse model systems ranging from bacteria, yeast, and protozoa to plants and animal cells will be featured, providing perspectives on the evolutionary history of fundamental cellular processes in unicellular and multicellular organisms. In addition, presentations on simplified in vitro reconstitution systems and molecular structures will reveal mechanisms of how molecules self organize and exert forces. One focus of this meeting will be on developments in quantitative biology and biophysics that are providing important new insights into dynamic cell biological processes. Invited speakers include both junior and senior investigators who are leaders in their fields. Many talks will also be selected from the submitted abstracts, giving students and postdocs opportunity to present their latest discoveries. Discussions will cover broad implications of the work. The poster sessions and ample free time will provide a collegial atmosphere for informal scientific exchanges, providing opportunities for brainstorming, and establishing collaborations and personal connections.