The Gordon Research Conference on Nucleic Acids has consistently provided a premier forum to present and discuss fundamental discoveries in nucleic acids research that impact nearly every facet of biology and have wide ranging implications for human health. The 2017 Nucleic Acids GRC will continue the more than 50 year tradition of highlighting recent advances in the areas of DNA and RNA biology, biochemistry and biophysics with a view toward identifying emerging concepts and technologies in these fields. The goal of the conference is to create a scientific environment conducive to cross-disciplinary discussion at the interface between the chemistry and biology of nucleic acids and to facilitate the exchange of new ideas. The specific topics for 2017 will include: genomic engineering and regulation; genome integrity and DNA repair; nucleic acid structure, remodeling, and catalysis; telomeres and telomerase; noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and defense mechanisms; DNA replication; regulation of translation; RNA editing and modification; and gene expression and disease. Additionally, for the first time there will be a 2-day Nucleic Acids Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) just prior to the main Nucleic Acids GRC, in which young scientists have the opportunity to present their research to one another, with several platform and poster sessions, and a keynote speaker. There also will be ample time allotted in the main GRC schedule for short talks selected from submitted abstracts and four poster sessions.