NIH grant: 2026 Microbial Toxins and Pathogenicity Gordon Research Conference and Seminar (1R13AI200296-01)

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NIH grant 1R13AI200296-01: 2026 Microbial Toxins and Pathogenicity Gordon Research Conference and Seminar
Institute: {'code': 'AI', 'abbreviation': 'NIAID', 'name': 'National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases', 'admin_org_id': '12500003', 'admin_funding_url': ''}. PI: Victor J. Torres. Award: $14000.
Start: 2026-07-10T00:00:00.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The 2026 Microbial Toxins and Pathogenicity Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and its accompanying
Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) “Molecular Basis of Host-Microbe and Host-Toxin Interactions in Disease
Pathogenesis” are designed to showcase exciting, innovative basic, and applied research in the infectious
disease field while promoting thoughtful discussion and networking between new and veteran researchers from
the academic, biotech and government sectors. Since its inception in 1972, this biennial international
conference continues to be regarded by the microbial pathogenesis community as our premier venue for
intellectual exchange. To be held July 12-17, 2026, at the Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire, the 2026
conference is led by Chair Victor J. Torres, PhD, Chair of the Department of Host-Microbe Interactions at St.
Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Vice-Chair Sunny Shin, PhD, Professor of Microbiology, University of
Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Nine sessions will feature over 30 invited speakers, ranging in
career stage and discipline chosen to integrate cutting-edge research on: bacterial toxins and physiology, new
approaches to study pathogens in the molecular, cellular and meta-organism contexts of the host including the
associated microbiome, and how pathogens engage and evade host innate immune responses. To highlight
the accomplishments of the next generation of scientists in our field, the GRC will be preceded by a GRS – a
unique forum planned, led and attended by pre- and post-doctoral trainees. The 2026 GRS Co-Chairs are Dr.
Sarah Price, Postdoctoral Fellow, Vanderbilt University, and Dr. Andrea Anaya-Sanchez, PhD candidate at the
University of California, Berkeley. The primary goals of the Microbial Toxins & Pathogenicity GRC/GRS are 1)
to promote interdisciplinary interactions between scientists studying different facets of infectious disease; 2) to
afford early career scientists opportunities to present their work to disciplinary experts; 3) provide a forum to
stimulate ideas and collaborations, and 4) to provide training and career development opportunities for both
new faculty and trainees. An intentional and anticipated outcome of the conference is for scientists within the
Host-Microbe and Host-Toxin Interactions field to have the opportunity to develop professional relationships.
Afternoon poster sessions will promote extended scientific discussions and networking between colleagues
within and across disciplines and ranks. Together the GRS and GRC will provide an exceptional forum for a
community of scientists to learn about exciting discoveries in the field, and consider and challenge the current
paradigms, barriers and opportunities to advancing knowledge of molecular mechanisms of microbial
pathogenesis.

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