This conference will explore recent advances in our understanding of mammalian somatosensation. Our speakers will include world-renowned leaders studying mechanisms underlying itch, touch and pain, in health and disease, as well a rising stars in the field. Topics will span receptors and signaling mechanisms, neural circuits, and behavior, and will highlight the use of cutting-edge tools for discovery. We will include time for discussions with speakers, and networking opportunities during poster sessions. We will also reserve time for short talks that will be selected from abstracts submitted by trainees and junior faculty. Our goals are to encourage the sharing of novel, unpublished data, to facilitate dynamic discussion and debate, and promote new collaborations in the field.