The American Society for Matrix Biology (ASMB), founded in 2000, promotes the field of extracellular matrix (ECM) biology to advance knowledge and inspire translation of ECM- centric science to improve human health in the face of aging and disease. ASMB support biennial workshops that are of similar scale and scope to individual Gordon Research Conferences and Keystone Symposia. The overarching goals of these workshops are to delve into key topics that are timely and of particular relevance to matrix biology. The theme of the 2019 ASMB Workshop if Fibroblasts: The Arbiters of Matrix Remodeling.
The specific aims of this R13 application are (Aim 1) to disseminate and share new knowledge about fibroblast biology, their origins, the patterns of phenotypic differentiation and how to quantitatively measure fibroblast outcomes;
(Aim 2) to promote the educational growth and careers of young scientists;
and (Aim 3) to promote the careers of women and under-represented minorities. To achieve these aims we have assembled a slate of world experts in the field of fibroblast biology, from cellular profiling and developmental origins to their heterogeneity and diversity in disease progression. Young scientists will be featured as prominently as possible in the available talks selected from abstracts and a mentoring session is included in the meeting schedule and three travel awards are being offered to support young investigators' travel to the conference. Finally, the representation of women scientists in the slate of invited speakers and moderators is 50% and 71%, respectively.
These Aims are consistent with the mission of the NIH and the goals of the R13 funding mechanism. R13 funds will be primarily allocated to partially support travel and housing expenses of keynote speakers, travel awards, and conference rental and A/V support to ensure a successful meeting.
The American Society for Matrix Biology 2019 Workshop on Fibroblasts: The Arbiters of Matrix Remodeling will be held on June 23-25, 2019 in Charlottesville, VA at the University of Virginia. We have assembled a slate of world experts in the field of fibroblast biology, from cellular profiling and developmental origins to their heterogeneity and diversity in disease progression to address critical questions and unknowns about this enigmatic cell type in tissue homeostasis and disease progression.
