Project Summary The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex biopolymer network that defines the structure and mechanics of solid tissue and can profoundly regulate cell function in development, physiology, and disease. As a result, there has been an enormous effort to create biomaterials and other engineered systems that mimic the ECM with the goal of modeling and controlling cell-ECM crosstalk for discovery and therapeutics. To promote continued discovery and translation in this exciting field while nurturing the next generation of talent, we seek support for the 2024 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Signal Transduction by Engineered Extracellular Matrices (STEEM). The STEEM GRC/GRS is widely viewed as the premier venue for sharing and discussing cutting-edge developments in ECM science and engineering. Over the past quarter- century, STEEM has played a leadership role in bringing together biologists, engineers, materials scientists, and other disciplinary experts into a common forum and has played a key role in incubating interdisciplinary topics such as mechanobiology, biofabrication, and organoid technology. In the 2024 meeting, we will build on these advances and explore several questions that will define the next decade of work in the field under the theme Engineered microenvironments for next-generation biology, disease modeling, and therapeutics. The GRC aims to: (1) Create a forum in which information and ideas are freely exchanged between researchers of diverse and complementary backgrounds to enhance the potential of regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies to improve human health; (2) Support a diverse group of young and early career investigators by exposing them to new and exciting ideas and opportunities in an environment that encourages collegial interactions; and (3) Bring together scientists across all experience levels, from trainees to senior scientists, and representing diverse fields of expertise and professional settings from academic labs to national labs to small and large biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, to foster meaningful, long-lasting collaborations. The GRS aims to: (1) Provide young and early career investigators, especially graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, the opportunity to present their research in a forum organized by and for them; (2) Encourage lasting collegial interactions and initiation of collaborations between young investigators of diverse fields; and (3) Provide a unique opportunity for young scientists in the field to receive career guidance from selected faculty mentors invited to the GRS.

Project Narrative The 2024 Signal Transduction by Engineered Extracellular Matrices Gordon Research Conference (STEEM GRC) will focus on the interface of biology and engineering and gather multidisciplinary scientists to disseminate state-of-the-art research in highly active areas including single cell biology, multi-scale modeling, mechanobiology, and engineered extracellular matrices (ECM) to investigate and control cell function. The resulting multidisciplinary education will benefit our diverse colleagues as they advance our understanding of how ECMs interface with cellular signaling networks, both in regenerative medicine and in understanding and treating human disease.