Over the last decade, it has become apparent that the health of all animals, including humans, are dependent on interactions with complex communities of microorganisms that live in the gut, on the surface, and at other locations in the body of the animal host. The Gordon Research Conference on Animal-Microbe Symbioses provides a unique opportunity for researchers at all career stages to meet and discuss the latest developments in this burgeoning scientific discipline. A key topic at this conference is the mechanisms by which microorganisms protect animals against pathogens (functioning as a "second immune system"), provide nutrients, and generally sustain the health and vigor of their animal host. A second important theme for the conference is how the microbial inhabitants of one animal influence the host's interactions with other animals and plants, with the potential for cascading effects through natural ecosystems (e.g., oceans, forests), as well as managed agricultural landscapes. These scientific discussions will be facilitated by the great breadth of expertise among the conference participants, including internationally-acclaimed invited speakers and also early-career scientists, who will present their research at highly-interactive sessions. In addition to providing the opportunity for the exchange of information and views in the science sections, this conference has sessions on professional development. In particular, the two-day Gordon Research Seminar for early-career researchers includes a panel event on Science Communication, in collaboration with distinguished science journalists. As such, the conference will shape the future of how we study, understand, and manage symbiotic associations.

The recognition that all higher organisms live in symbiotic association with microorganisms has opened up a new perspective in biology. Animals and humans alike are now considered as complex ecosystems each consisting of the host and its associated microbiome, which together serve as functional units of selection. Like a Russian doll, the metabolic processes of the symbionts are translated into organism functions which can have profound effects on the ecosystem scale. The conference addresses recent technological and conceptual advances in a uniquely broad range of hosts (from sponges to humans) and with diverse symbionts (from organelles, viruses, bacteria to fungi). The broad sweep of systems and approaches adopted in this conference will facilitate new insights into common mechanisms shaping diverse associations, and enhance understanding of the causes and consequences of the loss of symbiotic equilibrium (dysbiosis). The linked Gordon Research Seminar will offer a venue for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to present their findings and discuss ideas in an informal setting, in conjunction with sessions on Science Communication. Both the Gordon Research Conference and Research Seminar on Animal-Microbe Symbioses will promote the fullest participation of scientists of diverse disciplinary backgrounds, all career stages and ethnicities, with particular attention to ensuring gender balance and support for under-represented minorities.

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 Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
1922514
Program Officer
Mamta Rawat
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2019-05-01
Budget End
2020-04-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
$15,375
Indirect Cost
Name
Gordon Research Conferences
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
West Kingston
State
RI
Country
United States
Zip Code
02892