Canadian Developmental Biology Conference

This meeting is the 11th Canadian Developmental Biology Conference and the 9rd Canada Regional Meeting of the North American Society for Developmental Biology. The meeting has been held once every two years since 2002, with the location alternating between Quebec in the east and Banff in the west of Canada. Due to the large geographic area covered by the Canadian region of the SDB, this meeting is the major opportunity for developmental biologists across Canada to meet to discuss science. From 2002 to 2018, attendance varied between 171 and 265 participants, with about 60% consisting of trainees (students or postdocs). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheduled 2020 meeting was held entirely virtually in April 2021. Canadian developmental biologists are located in large and medium cities that are dispersed throughout a very wide geographic area. New investigators are extended priority invitations in order to introduce them to the community to facilitate recognition of their work nationally and to those who serve on grant panels. Developmental biologists in relatively small centres who would be isolated within their local environment are also extended invitations to immerse them with the Canadian community. Postdoctoral and graduate trainees are given priority for short talks in order to encourage their interest in the field and strengthen future prospects for developmental biology in Canada. The 3 day program is sub-divided into five sessions, with three to six invited speakers (30-minute talks) per session. Sessions will also include one to three 15-minute talks selected from submitted abstracts with priority given to junior faculty, postdocs and students. Two poster sessions are also planned for afternoons of the 24th and 25th. The program includes an educational session on equity, diversity and inclusion in science and two keynote lectures.