This conference brings together scientists studying gastrulation, the process where pluripotent stem cells internalize and differentiate into embryonic germ layers while establishing the embryo's main axes. It covers fundamental biology topics such as gene regulation, fate specification, evo-devo, stem cell biology, morphogenesis, mechanics, signaling, and tissue engineering in early embryonic development. With the advent of stem cell-based embryo models (gastruloids) mimicking gastrulation in vitro and in humans, we aim to foster collaboration across developmental biology, evo-devo, and engineering to inspire new approaches, technologies, and hypotheses in the field.