2022 Musculoskeletal Biology & Bioengineering Gordon Research Conference & Gordon Research Seminar

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ABSTRACT Since 1980, the biennial Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Musculoskeletal Biology and Bioengineering has been the leading forum for the presentation and discussion of new and unpublished information in the field. Because of the ample opportunity for discussion and interaction, this meeting has invariably led to new collaborations, initiatives and research directions. An important career development event, programming at this GRC is designed to recruit and support the success of diverse new investigators in the musculoskeletal field. Post-conference evaluations consistently rate the conference as “outstanding”. Funds are requested for partial support of the 2022 Musculoskeletal Biology and Bioengineering GRC, which is to be held again at Proctor Academy in Andover, NH, a calm, scenic, and isolated site that fosters maximum interactions among the participants. The theme for the 2022 GRC is “Accelerating Discovery in the Musculoskeletal System.” This theme was chosen to feature ideas and emerging technologies that will speed our progress in understanding the integrated function of the musculoskeletal system in development, at homeostasis, and across the wide range of human aging and disease. Our goal is to not only to highlight the very best and most exciting work in our field, but also to incorporate the best ideas from beyond our field, to spur new ideas and collaborations for all attendees. To this end, we will engage new and diverse talent in musculoskeletal research by providing an inclusive and equitable environment for all investigators. The meeting will consist of 9 sessions (all plenary and involving invited speakers) and two 2-day poster sessions. Afternoons will be free for interactive recreation and discussion and the total number of attendees is capped at 180 to encourage interaction. The GRC will be preceded by a two-day Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) at the same location, whose theme “Emerging Technologies Shaping Musculoskeletal Research” complements the GRC program. GRS attendance is expected to be 50 individuals, most of whom will also attend the GRC. The GRS co-Chairs have worked closely with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the GRC to develop the scientific program, which includes a mentoring component focused on effective career transitions for new investigators. Other than a keynote session and a career panel of established investigators, the GRS features research of new investigator attendees in 2 oral sessions and 2 poster sessions. Along with the larger GRC organization, the leaders of this meeting have designed both the GRC and GRS to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion of our field. Both meetings feature outstanding scientists, including many from underrepresented groups. The GRC Power Hour will address challenges women face in science, as well as intersectionality with race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. Thus, the scientific and professional activities of this meeting prepare this community to address the large unmet burden of musculoskeletal disease, especially in aging, and its disproportionate impacts on women and minoritized groups.