Montagna Symposium on the Biology of Skin

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PROJECT SUMMARY The Montagna Symposium on the Biology of Skin has gathered nearly annually for 70 years with the goal of bringing together leading scientists and clinical investigators in a uniquely designed conference to drive forward the field of skin biology. Through cutting edge presentations and lively conversations in a laid back atmosphere near Portland, Oregon, the conference serves and aims to: 1) Discuss new findings, techniques, and goals in skin biology and adjacent fields; 2) Foster cross-disciplinary and innovative collaborations among disciplines that will enrich the scientific and clinical specialty and bring novel solutions to bear on skin diseases; and 3) Encourage young investigators to dream, imagine, and grow into the next generation of leading scientists and dermatologists who can drive the field forward. Each year the Symposium addresses a different topic in skin biology research and unanswered questions about causes and cures for skin diseases. Discoveries made in the skin have enriched knowledge and treatment options in other organ systems for decades, as skin is the most visible organ in the human body, presenting ample opportunities for its study. The unique atmosphere and limited number of participants provides opportunity to debate controversies, propose solutions to puzzles and strategies to overcome roadblocks, set new research agendas, and grasp opportunities for translation to new treatments. Interactions are 1) Among participants in basic research, translational, clinical, patient care, disease-focused foundation-led, and pharmaceutical researchers; 2) Between trainees and established scientists; and 3) Between dermatology specialists and those from other departments/fields. Participation of young scientists is strongly encouraged by presentation opportunities and competitive travel awards. The central support of this meeting is a multi-year conference grant from the NIH that allows advance planning of program themes by leading Program Chairs and invitation of highly competitive speakers. Annual fundraising from corporate and foundation sources, together with modest registration fees, offset the balance of meeting production costs. The Symposium communicates its findings to the broader academic community through annual publication of proffered, peer reviewed papers in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology with waiver of submission fees under the Montagna Symposium on the Biology of Skin logo. Topics planned and discussed in this proposal include the 70th anniversary meeting “Visualizing the Future of Skin Biology and Dermatology”, “Skin of Color Dermatology: The Interaction of Science and Society”, “Precision Dermatology”, “Resident Memory T Cells in Human Health and Disease”, and “Innovative Technologies to Visualize and Diagnose the Skin”. We are thrilled to return to in- person meetings following the disruptive COVID-19 pandemic and have renewed and increased our commitment to gathering diverse researchers to elevate the meeting's discussions. This meeting uniquely fulfills the NIH goal to advance scientific progress in understanding of the basic structure and molecular regulation of human biology and disease and meeting themes have reflected and helped shape NIAMS' goals and mission.