Abstract

The Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Motile and Contractile systems provides a unique forum for early career trainees – including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience and education – to discuss ideas and share new data in the rapidly-advancing field of cytoskeletal dynamics. Cytoskeletal networks provide structure, facilitate intracellular transport, and allow cells to perceive and produce forces central to diverse biological processes. This GRS will bring together trainees from diverse disciplines including biology, bioengineering, and biophysics. Together with its associated Gordon Research Conference (GRC), the GRS will provide an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment for trainees to present their work and receive feedback from their peers as well as leaders in the field. Additionally, the GRS will feature mentorship from senior scientists and career development opportunities aimed at preparing trainees for active participation in the subsequent GRC.