(taken from the application: The concept of orthopaedic research encompasses a very broad area spanning the field of musculoskeletal research from the clinical aspect to both biological and biomechanical basic sciences. The Bioengineering and Orthopaedic Science Gordon Research Conference has been the premier conference for investigators to combine the three disciplines of orthopaedic sciences. The format of these conference, held in a small private school in New Hampshire every other summer, provides a unique environment for the exchange of new and unpublished information. The cross fertilization that can only come from a conference were clinicians, engineers and biologists meet, is more vital to this field than ever before. For the first time, biological principles are being used in the treatment of orthopaedic injuries and diseases and these treatments must confirm to and meet the biomechanical needs of the skeleton. For example, investigators and clinicians are now beginning to utilize molecules such as parathyroid hormone; parathyroid hormone related peptide, insulin-like growth factors, fibroblast growth factor and the hedgehogs. In addition, physical parameters such as ultrasounds and electrical stimulation are currently being used to stimulate bone growth. Bioengineering has moved from the mechanical design of joint implants to the problems associated with long-term use of implant materials and a general understanding of the biological effects of these materials in the living system. For the first time, a session will be held on skeletal tumors. Two noteworthy changes will be made in the format from previous meetings. In the comments on the 1996 Gordon Conference Program, many attendees felt that the junior members of the audience did not feel comfortable speaking out and that the discussion were dominated by only a few senior scientists. In an effort to increase the comfort level of the junior scientists and to increase their participation in general, the following changes were implemented: (1) five to ten scholarships will be designated for junior faculty and postdoctoral fellows and their availability will be announced in conference literature; (2) One evening will be dedicated to talks by junior scientists. Employing these options to encourage the participation of junior scientists has worked very well for other Gordon Conferences such as the Proteoglycan Gordon Conference which uses the scholarship mechanism and Molecular Genetics which uses the junior scientists evening option.
