2022 Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development and Disease GRC and GRS

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PROJECT SUMMARY Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) regulate almost all aspects of normal embryonic development, and key homeostatic, metabolic and repair mechanism in select adult tissues. Accordingly, defective FGF signaling results in a wide range of diseases including congenital birth defects, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, inflammatory syndromes, and cancer. The field of FGF signaling, therefore, unites diverse biomedical disciplines that significantly impact human health. The overall goal of this proposal is to galvanize multidisciplinary interactions between academic scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders with a common interest in FGF biology for the benefit of human health. This goal will be achieved by gathering the top FGF-biology researchers in Il Ciocco, Italy between April 30th to May 6th, 2022, at the 8th Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on FGFs in Development and Disease 2022 conference entitled “FGF Signaling: Understanding Function and Devising Therapeutic Tools”. Prior to this GRC, an associated two-day Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), entitled “Biology, Technology and Translation in FGF Research”, organized by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will ensure the mentoring of a new generation of FGF researchers. More specifically, the goal of this proposal will be realized through the following Specific Aims: (1) showcase new innovations that impact our mechanistic understanding of FGF-related diseases and their therapeutic advancement by featuring presentations from established leaders and new innovators; (2) encourage scientific discussions and new collaborations among trainees, scientists, and clinicians through extended poster sessions and networking opportunities; and (3) grow our existing network and capacity for future generations of FGF researchers by providing travel support and scientific feedback for trainees and junior faculty members. This GRC, postponed from its 2020 date due to the Covid19 pandemic, provides an international forum for researchers and trainees to share unique perspectives on the diverse biological functions of FGF signaling and forges new collaborations amongst these scientists. New and emerging topics such as autophagy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and FGF's interaction with other signaling pathways will be covered. To maximize the success of the 2022 meeting, the program places particular importance on balanced speaker and attendee representation from diverse geographical locations, gender and ethnicity. Moreover, a `Power Hour' is dedicated to discussing current obstacles to, and novel approaches for, promoting wider participation of women in science.