Unlocking the Mysteries of Vision: GRC Visual System Development Conference
The 2024 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Visual System Development, themed “Establishing Form and Function in the Eye and Visual Brain,” took place from May 19 to 24, 2024. This prestigious international scientific gathering will be hosted in a remote location to foster a sense of camaraderie and create lasting scientific communities.
A Premier Scientific Gathering
The Visual System Development GRC is renowned for advancing the frontiers of science by presenting cutting-edge and unpublished research. It prioritizes in-depth discussions following each talk and encourages informal interactions among scientists at all career stages. This conference promises a vibrant program featuring a diverse lineup of speakers and discussion leaders from leading institutions and organizations worldwide.
Conference Highlights
- Cutting-edge Research Presentations: Attendees will gain insights into the latest developments in genetics, genomics, and the evolution of the visual system.
- Interdisciplinary Interactions: The conference aims to foster cross-disciplinary interactions, stimulate new ideas, and spark collaborations.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Students and postdocs will receive valuable mentorship in a supportive scientific setting.
- Poster Sessions: Researchers at all career stages can present their work during dedicated poster sessions.
- Networking: Informal networking opportunities during afternoon free time and communal meals.
Poster Presentations from Washington University
Members of the Washington University Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences showcased their latest research:
- Brian Clark, PhD: “DNA demethylation in photoreceptor fate specification”
- Evelyn Craigen: “Cis-regulatory element activity in temporal gene expression & retinal cell fate specification”
- Philip Ruzycki, PhD: “Depletion of variant histone H3.3 reveals an essential role for histone replacement in early retinal development”
- Leo Volkov: “Zebrafish Cyp26 enzymes mediate cone photoreceptor maturation”
Leo Volkov’s talk, presented at the GRS (the trainee seminar preceding the full conference), shared the same title as his poster.
Fostering Future Vision Science Leaders
The associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) for students and postdoctoral fellows will precede the main conference, providing a platform for early-career investigators to engage in stimulating discussions and interactions with established scientists.
Contributing to Better Treatments
This conference will deepen our understanding of the principles driving the development and maintenance of the visual system across multiple species. These insights are expected to lead to improved treatments for ocular and other neurological diseases.
Join us at the 2024 GRC on Visual System Development to be at the forefront of vision science, engage with leading experts, and contribute to the future of visual system research.