2026 Glycolipid and Sphingolipid Biology Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

/Abstract The Glycolipid and Sphingolipid Biology Gordon Research Conference (GRC) is a premier international scientific meeting dedicated to advancing the understanding of glyco- and sphingolipid biology through cutting- edge, unpublished research. This conference fosters dynamic discussions, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and networking opportunities among scientists at all career stages. The 2026 GRC will focus on the latest advancements in biophysics, biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology, with an emphasis on the role of glycosphingolipids in inborn errors of sphingolipid metabolism, development and tissue differentiation, and translational research. Novel research methodology to enhance translational research will also be emphasized during our conference. A central theme of this meeting is how glyco- and sphingolipids act as molecular codes for cell identity and recognition, influencing membrane organization, signaling, immune responses, and interactions with exogenous agents. Cutting-edge methodologies and novel approaches for studying these lipids—including structural analysis, imaging, and functional assays—will be showcased, highlighting their potential in therapeutic applications. The conference structure includes invited talks from leading experts, interactive discussions, and poster sessions to engage researchers at all levels. Ample time is dedicated to informal interactions, facilitating mentorship, networking, and the formation of lasting collaborations. The remote conference setting further enhances scientific engagement and community building. By bringing together a group of researchers from around the world, this GRC will serve as a vital forum for shaping the future of glycolipid and sphingolipid research, driving new discoveries and innovations in the field and developing novel approaches to rare pediatric disorders caused by genetic defects of sphingolipid metabolism that are increasingly being recognized by next generation sequencing. Results have implications for both children and adults, as these rare conditions often reveal the role of sphingolipid metabolism in more common diseases of adulthood and aging. Thus, the field is broadly relevant to a wide number of disciplines. Project Number: 1R13HD122430-01 | Fiscal Year: 2026 | NIH Institute/Center: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) | Principal Investigator: JULIE SABA | Institution: GORDON RESEARCH CONFERENCES, East Greenwich, RI | Award Amount: $20,000 | Activity Code: R13 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 SCIL-T (80)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11392626