Showcasing cutting-edge bacterial gene expression research at a prestigious US conference

Caroline Jarvis, a third-year NRPDTP PhD student in Prof Mark Webber’s group at the Quadram Institute, recently travelled to New Hampshire, USA, to present her research at two prominent international events: the ‘Mechanisms of Microbial Transcription’ Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) and the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) 2025.

Her participation marked an important opportunity to share her findings on bacterial gene expression with a global audience of experts and early-career researchers.

Understanding gene expression in bacteria

Gene expression – the process of converting sequences of DNA into signals or proteins – is fundamental to life. In bacteria, the regulation of this process is not yet fully understood. This is an important gap to bridge, as essential processes and steps within transcription are promising targets for new antibiotics.

Caroline’s research investigates how the physical structure and surrounding context of bacterial DNA influence transcription, helping to uncover important clues about how bacteria control gene expression.

Her particular focus is an antibiotic that interferes with the relationship between gene expression and DNA structure. By studying the changes in gene expression that it causes, Caroline hopes to understand the general rules of regulation.

Gordon Research Conferences: hubs for scientific exchange

Gordon Research Conferences are a series of international scientific conferences focused on exciting research within very specific fields. They have a prestigious reputation, with an intense programme that encourages productive discussion and collaboration between people at all career stages.

Preceding the main conference, the Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) is led and attended by early-career researchers. This setting allows participants to present unpublished work, build networks, and prepare for interactions with senior leaders in the field.

“Gordon Research Conferences often lead to new collaborations, mentorship and lasting friendships within the international community – so I am very thankful for this amazing opportunity,” Caroline shared.

Presenting and leading at an international level

At both conference events, Caroline presented a poster of her doctoral research.

In addition, Caroline was invited to lead a session entitled ‘Interrogating Microbial Transcription at the Organismal Level’ at the Gordon Research Seminar. This was a unique opportunity that she thoroughly enjoyed.

Her facilitation was well-received and she was subsequently elected as co-chair of the next ‘Mechanisms of Microbial Transcription’ Gordon Research Seminar, set to take place in June 2027.

“I was very excited to be chosen as a discussion leader, and then as a co-chair for the next GRS! The seminar and meeting have been great opportunities for connecting with other scientists and discussing the latest discoveries in this fascinating field,” she said.

Connecting with scientists across the globe

Throughout the conference, participants were encouraged to network across various presentation sessions, meals and organised activities – including the traditional Gordon Research Conference lobster dinner.

“As I am nearing the end of my PhD, it is increasingly important to reach out to people in my field who I may want to work with in the future,” Caroline commented.

“I would highly recommend this type of conference to other PhD students, especially if they would like to continue working within the same area of research after their PhD. Overall, it has been an incredibly valuable way of making links with potential collaborators and discovering new ideas.”

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Caroline’s attendance at the Gordon Research Conference was made possible due to support from the Centre for Microbial Interactions Flexible Fund, the Gordon Research Seminar organisers and from her NRPDTP BBSRC-funded training grant.