Project Summary Colloids, macromolecules and polyelectrolytes serve as building blocks for biological and synthetic materials with microstructures that are often far from equilibrium. Such complexity and diversity give rise to unique properties with endless potential for innovation. Recent advances in characterizing and precisely controlling their structure and properties are enabling a wide array of applications from novel delivery vehicles to green materials to living and non-living systems that may provide insights into the origins of life. Due to the intricate nature of these systems, their study requires a unique approach involving a combination of experiments and theoretical analyses. The 2024 Gordon Research Symposium (GRS) and Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Colloidal, Macromolecules and Polyelectrolyte Solutions aims to explore the innovation of these materials and techniques for their characterization, focusing on engineering diverse soft matter systems by bringing together scientists with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The GRS is a student and postdoc organized and led conference that takes place the weekend prior to the GRC. The GRC and GRS organizers have a strong commitment to supporting students, postdocs and early career scientists. These conferences will also enhance diversity, equity and inclusion by ensuring representation in our invited speakers and discussion leaders, increasing participation by advertising to professional societies and minorities serving institutions and a strong commitment to creating safe and welcoming environments. The scientific topics covered by the GRS and GRC align with the mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and, specifically, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). The topical focus of these conferences is colloidal, macromolecular and polyelectrolyte solutions. These highly engineered materials are used in a broad range of applications and we have invited speakers that highlight these areas. Sessions that fit into these missions include 3D printing and additive manufacturing with a focus on biomaterials, novel delivery vehicles, origins of life with a focus on biological development including disease progression and bio-inspired and biomimetic materials. Other sessions include speakers that develop new technologies and work that enhances fundamental understanding that underlies the detection and treatment of diseases. By inviting speakers that range from fundamental to transformational work we plan to not only showcase NIH relevant and funded research but also anticipate new connections and collaborations between scientists. Exploiting the GRC format which provides ample time for informal conversation, a goal of these conferences is to seed ideas that lead to new projects that would be of interest to NIH and NIBIB.