Abstract

Respiratory infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Yet, our understanding of the biology and treatment of acute respiratory infections, especially in high risk populations, is incomplete. The 2020 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) Biology of Acute Respiratory Infection will bring together groups of scientists, from basic to applied, public health officials and clinicians that normally do not attend the same meetings to highlight new findings and concepts in respiratory tract infections including, disease in vulnerable populations, intrinsic, innate and adaptive immune responses, infection-mediated exacerbations in individuals with lung diseases, the future for respiratory vaccines and exciting new models and tools. An international group of experts have been assembled to provide cutting-edge overviews of these rapidly evolving topics. In association with the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), we will provide a welcoming forum where senior and junior scientists and clinicians/fellows can present their data, interact with their peers and form long-term collaborations in a unique area of research of utmost public health importance.