2026 Marine Natural Products Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

Project Summary
Natural products research involves highly interdisciplinary fields focused on translation of chemically and
biologically complex natural products to applications for human health and health outcomes. The evolution of
natural products as potentially multifunctional ligands with highly specific affinities for health-relevant targets has
provided opportunities to develop therapeutic agents for cancers, infectious diseases, and neurological
disorders, as well as for multisystem, multicomponent diseases and conditions. Natural products from the marine
environment have provided unique molecular scaffolds that interact with biological targets and signaling
pathways to effect changes in phenotype and physiology, resulting in several that have translated to clinical use.
In addition, transformational advances in biosynthesis, target profiling, and analytical technologies are poised for
incorporation in computational tools using machine learning for discovery of natural products and their biological
signatures. The 2026 Marine Natural Products (MNP) Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) and Gordon Research
Conference (GRC) are planned for February 28 – March 6, 2026, in Ventura, California. The GRS is a unique
forum for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to present and exchange new data and innovative ideas
across the scope of basic and applied MNP research. The GRC will bring together early career and established
researchers from academia, industry, and government (including all GRS participants) to address the discovery,
characterization and functional development of MNPs. Sessions will focus on technological advances to spur
new discovery, discovery of new molecular targets and receptors, computational informatics challenges and
opportunities, symbiosis and microbiome interactions to facilitate discovery, biosynthesis and bioengineering for
molecule and target discovery, bioactive molecules from marine sources, integrating novel synthetic approaches
for enhanced discovery, and marine biogeochemistry to address microbial challenges. Our specific aims for the
conference include: (1) providing a forum for emerging and established scientific leaders to present cutting-edge
MNP research; (2) stimulating multi-disciplinary collaborations and providing opportunities for interdisciplinary
activities; (3) highlighting biological targets, physiological function, and translational applications of MNPs; and
(4) providing training for graduate students and early career scientists to promote broad participation. The
collegial atmosphere of the MNP GRS and GRC will foster collaborations, provide training opportunities, and
promote exchange of ideas amongst leaders in the field and new participants. NIH support will be used to
enhance participation by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early career faculty at the GRC, as well
as for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students attending the GRS. Ample opportunities for scientific exchange
and networking, both in and outside of meeting sessions, will foster new collaborations that bridge scientific
disciplines and potentiate paradigm shifts in natural product sciences.

Grant Number: 1R13AT013698-01
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Marcy Balunas