PROJECT SUMMARY The overall goal of this proposal is to obtain funding support for early-career researchers (i.e., PhD students, postdoctoral fellows) and junior faculty to attend the “2024 FASEB Scientific Research Conference: Hippo pathway in Biology and Diseases” held at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne-Oceanfront, Melbourne, Florida between November 10-14, 2024. The Hippo pathway functions in numerous physiological processes and is frequently dysregulated in human diseases including cancer. We will convene an outstanding and diverse group of scientists working at the forefront of the Hippo field to gain new insights into the Hippo pathway in broad biological events, its alteration in contributing to cancer and other human diseases, and new concepts on drug development targeting the Hippo pathway. To achieve these goals, the conference will focus on multiple topics related to the Hippo pathway research, which include but are not limited to the mechanism of Hippo signaling, Hippo pathway in stem cells and development, Hippo pathway in cancer, Hippo pathway in immunology and cancer immunity, Hippo-based drug development. Two career development workshops and one Meet the Experts session are planned for early-career researchers and junior faculty during the conference. Through these exciting programs, we aim to 1) identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for scientists, clinicians, nonprofits, and industry partners to share and discuss cutting-edge research on Hippo pathway regulation, function, and therapy; 2) train the next generation of scientific leaders by providing networking and professional developmental opportunities for early- career researchers and junior faculty; 3) promote the participation and public presentations of women and underrepresented minorities by providing with opportunities of plenary talks, traveling awards, and poster/workshop discussions; and 4) disseminate the latest Hippo signaling discoveries by publishing the proceedings of the conference, boosting new collaborations, and writing co-authored reviews. We are committed to bringing diverse scientists together to discuss scientific advances and share cutting-edge research in a safe and inclusive environment. This very first FASEB Hippo conference will have a major impact on the field by accelerating team science and providing a unique opportunity for cross-fertilization of new ideas and training the next generation of scientific leaders in cancer research.