The Center for Vertebrate Genomics (CVG) was created to enhance research and education in vertebrate genetics and functional genomics at Cornell University. As part of that overall goal, the CVG aims to foster research interactions amongst vertebrate geneticists and other faculty. The biennial symposium provides an opportunity to learn more about the exciting research in vertebrate genomics that is being conducted both within and outside of Cornell, through presentations from distinguished invited speakers and through opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows of CVG labs to showcase their own research.