The award will provide support for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers to attend the 2019 Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Chromosome Dynamics (June 22-23, 2019 in Newry, ME), to be held just before the associated Gordon Research Conference (GRC; June 23-28, 2019). These conferences bring together young and established investigators from multiple disciplines, ranging from mathematics and computing to biology, who are studying chromosome structure/dynamics and function. The GRS is focused on early career scientists, and it provides an effective forum for them to discuss research through seminars and poster sessions, exchange ideas and resources informally, and develop their professional network. A notable programmatic activity is a panel discussion on mentoring and career development with the keynote speaker and a diverse group of faculty mentors. The GRS is organized and co-chaired by two post-doctoral fellows, and it serves as a significant career development experience for them as well.

New technology development has accelerated discoveries in chromosome biology in recent years. It has also led to high levels of specialization that have a profound impact, but can also hinder fuller understanding of how the biophysical properties of packaged DNA influence the function, maintenance and propagation of the genetic code. The GRS and GRC serve as a vital link for investigators by facilitating discussion of the latest discoveries in topics such as chromosome organization and the impact on gene regulation, DNA replication and repair in the chromosomal context, meiotic chromosomal organization and segregation, as well as centromeres and chromosome stability. The GRS in particular will facilitate training and professional development of the next generation of scientists, including underrepresented minorities, in the field of chromosome biology.

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.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
1923448
Program Officer
Manju Hingorani
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2019-04-01
Budget End
2020-03-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
$5,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Gordon Research Conferences
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
West Kingston
State
RI
Country
United States
Zip Code
02892