PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Since 1984, biennial the Proteoglycans (PGs) Gordon Research Conference (GRC) has been an essential meeting for PG researchers. Recognized as the leading international forum for PG and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) research it brings together established and new PG researchers in a collegial and scientifically stimulating environment. Important to the meetings success is a history of a collegial atmosphere that fosters the dissemination of unpublished and emerging research that stimulates scientific discussions and collaborations among all attendees. This proposal is requesting partial support for the next PGs GRC, “Frontiers in Basic and Translational Proteoglycan Research to Improve Human Health,” which will be held from July 7th to July 12th, 2024 and the associated PG GRS entitled, “Integrated Proteoglycan Research to Improve Human Health,” to be held on July 11th - 12th, 2024 at Proctor Academy, Andover, NH. An Advisory Committee consisting of past Chairs of PGs GRCs plus organizers of meetings for the international conferences on PGs (ICP) and the International Society for Hyaluronan Sciences (ISHAS) supplied input on the conference program. This committee provides expertise across a broad area, including fundamental, translational, and clinical PG research. The meeting will bring together highly regarded scientists performing impactful PG research and developing new techniques to support proteoglycan research advancement, some of whom will be attending this meeting for the first time. The invited scientists will present the latest findings in fundamental PG research addressing biosynthesis, catabolism, and technological advances in the field. A major focus of this GRC will be presentations highlighting PGs as therapeutic tools and targets. To provide early-stage investigators an opportunity to highlight their research, the meeting program includes short talks during each morning oral session and poster sessions each day. Short talks will be selected from abstracts to be complementary to the theme of the associated oral session. The scientific program aims to present state-of- the-art science to spark scientific discussions and collaborations, leading to the generation of new ideas, innovative research projects, and new grant proposals. The organizers have and will continue to pay careful attention to ensure equal gender representation of speakers and discussion leaders and increase the number of underrepresented groups in all aspects of the conference. Additionally, a discussion of gender and diversity issues/impediments in scientific career development will occur in the one-hour session entitled “Power Hour.” Attendees of this meeting will be selected by invitation or from the applications submitted online, with careful attention paid to develop a demographically diverse and inclusive meeting. Based on previous attendance to the PGs GRC, we expect approximately 200 attendees.