Conference: 2026 Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation Gordon Research Conference and Seminar

This award supports the 2026 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation, titled “Biological Mechanisms and Applications of RNA,” along with its associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), “Features of RNA and RNA-Binding Proteins in Gene Expression.” The GRS (July 18–19, 2026) will provide an engaging platform for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and connect with peers in the field. It will also feature a career mentorship panel to support trainees as they navigate the next steps in their scientific careers. The goal of the GRS is to foster a collegial, trainee-centered environment that encourages both scientific discovery and professional development. The five-day GRC (July 19–24, 2026) will bring together trainees, early-career investigators, and senior scientists who are at the forefront of RNA biology and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Attendance will be capped at 200 participants for the GRC and 70 for the GRS, creating a small, interactive setting that encourages open discussion, meaningful exchange, and the development of new ideas and collaborations.

Post-transcriptional gene regulation plays a central role in how all organisms respond to their environment and maintain proper cellular function. Processes such as RNA splicing, 3′-end formation, and RNA stability enable cells to fine-tune gene expression in response to changing conditions. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for defining both normal physiology and disease states, and it holds significant promise for the development of new therapeutic strategies. The 2026 meeting will highlight cutting-edge advances in fundamental RNA biology, focusing on the mechanisms underlying RNA biogenesis, regulation, and function across all RNA classes. It will also feature emerging approaches that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to decode RNA complexity, aligning with current NSF priorities of advancing data-driven research. An important focus will be on leveraging fundamental discoveries to better understand disease mechanisms and to develop RNA-based biotechnology. Importantly, the science presented at the GRC/GRS will be unpublished, encouraging candid discussion around emerging questions in post-transcriptional gene regulation rather than rehashing ideas from published research.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Award Number: 2605542
Principal Investigator: Auinash Kalsotra
Funds Obligated: $25,355
State: RI