Project Funding Details

Project Summary Natural products have consistently served as an inspiration for drug discovery and drug development. Their unique and diverse molecular scaffolds have stimulated investigation of biosynthetic pathways, molecular targets, and inspired new synthetic strategies, which allowed for their structural confirmation and preparation. Collectively, these efforts have advanced the field and enabled the search for the next generation of drugs for unmet human diseases such as multidrug resistant bacterial infections, cancers, and other rare genetic diseases. Therefore, not surprisingly, approximately two-thirds of all marketed pharmaceuticals have natural product origins. The overall objective of the 2021 meeting is to continue the tradition of featuring exceptional presentations and discussions at the forefront of science in order to further advance the broad and constantly evolving field of natural products. A unique and diverse group of scientists will be assembled that span scientific disciplines, and stem from various experience levels, backgrounds, and demographics. Also, collaborative and cross-disciplinary interactions among attendees will be encouraged and fostered, while also incorporating the development of emerging scientists. Approximately, 30 lecture-style presentations will highlight unpublished research and stimulate rigorious discussion. Complementary informal research discussions, typically 75, will occur via interactive poster sessions in a relaxed, social setting. In addition, the conference format provides significant opportunity for professional development and social interactions between attendees. Therefore, the goal of this R13 application is to request partial funding for the Gordon Research Conference (08/01/21 - 08/06/21) and associated Gordon Research Seminar (07/31/21 - 08/01/21) on Natural Products and Bioactive Compounds at Proctor Academy in Andover, NH in order to recruit graduate students, postdocs, early career scientists, women, and other underrepresented minorities to an excellent and high quality scientific conference. The meeting will be chaired by Dr. Amber J. Onorato, a frequent attendee and associate professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at Northern Kentucky University. The vice-Chair will be Philip R. Kym, Executive Director and Head of the Medicinal Chemistry Leadership Team at AbbVie, who was nominated by previous chairs and elected by conferees at the 2019 GRC (07/28/19 - 08/02/19).

Project Summary Natural products continue to play a significant role in drug discovery/development as they possess such unique and diverse molecular scaffolds and the study of these molecules has led to important and innovative achievements. The 2021 Natural Products and Bioactive Compounds Gordon Research Conference seeks to advance the field of natural product research through outstanding presentations at the forefront of science and collaborative and cross-disciplinary interactions. This type of conference where scientists of various backgrounds can discuss and exchange ideas is vital for the progression of basic, applied, and clinical research of natural products and its continued positive impact on the human health.