Neuroscience 2018 Encourages Collaboration
Developments in cell biology are uncovering new methods with which to study synaptic communication, social behavior circuits, and healthy and diseased brains. Advanced study and understanding of these and other aspects of the brain can aid better treatment options and patient outcomes.
Such topics will be a focus at Neuroscience 2018, presented by the Society for Neuroscience (SfN). The world’s largest neuroscience conference for scientists and physicians focused on the brain and nervous system, it will be held Nov. 3 to 7 at the San Diego Convention Center. Also scheduled is SfN’s 48th annual meeting, which allows 30,000 attendees from over 80 countries to network with peers, learn from experts, explore innovative neuroscience tools and technologies, and discover career opportunities.
San Diego Convention Center. Courtesy of Bernard Gagnon.
In addition to seven featured lectures and 14 special lectures by leading neuroscientists in the field, Neuroscience 2018 will host four Presidential Special Lectures:
• Vivian Budnik, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, will present “The dArc Matter of Synaptic Communication.”
• Catherine Dulac, Ph.D., of Harvard University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, will discuss “Neurobiology of Social Behavior Circuits.”
• Daniel Choquet, Ph.D., of CNRS and the University of Bordeaux, will present “From Nanoscale Dynamic Organization to Plasticity of Excitatory Synapses and Learning.”
• Bryan L. Roth, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will introduce “From Salvia Divinorum to LSD: Toward a Molecular Understanding of Psychoactive Drug Actions.”
The conference also will present a wide range of symposia and minisymposia focused on the industry’s current research topics, covering themes such as neurodegenerative disorders, sensory systems, integrative physiology and behavior, and cognition. Four Basic Translational Clinical Roundtable discussions will examine research and encourage debate and conversation from clinician-scientists of all levels. Topics include molecular therapies for neurological diseases, neuroprosthetic devices from a patient’s perspective, rapid antidepressant action, synaptic mechanisms and clinical aspects, and improving the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease to develop effective treatment.
A Meet the Clinician Expert series will give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at various factors that influence a clinician-scientist’s work through a variety of sessions. These include “How to Make Your Work/Life Relevant,” presented by Y. Joyce Liao, Ph.D.; and “Optogenetically Inspired Deep Brain Stimulation (Opto DBS) for Novel Indications,” presented by Christian Lüscher, Ph.D.
Other workshops to be hosted at Neuroscience 2018 are the Neurobiology of Disease Pre-Conference session, professional development workshops, the Animals in Research panel, a Social Issues roundtable, multiple poster sessions, and networking events.
Clinicians and scientists also can receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits by attending CME-designated lectures, symposia, and roundtables. Certified by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, physicians gain a broad overview of the field, as well as more detailed information about recent research on mechanisms, treatments, and diagnoses of conditions related to neurological and psychiatric disorders. They can learn about new discoveries regarding the brain and nervous system, as well, and SfN’s annual meeting allows attendees to gain knowledge about desirable physician attributes.
In addition, Neuroscience 2018 will host a graduate school fair, allowing prospective students and their advisers to meet with representatives from neuroscience graduate programs. Dozens of professional development and networking events will be held, in conjunction with more than 100 satellite events.
There will also be an extensive exhibition featuring more than 600 companies and organizations showcasing new tools, technologies, and publishing opportunities. General exhibit categories are biochemical and reagents, computer-related instruments, laboratory equipment and supplies, optical imaging instruments, physiological instruments, publishers, and pharmaceutical companies. Some of the many to attend include Hopstem Biotechnology, Enzo, Bruker Corp., Kent Scientific Corp., Mad City Labs Inc., PeproTech Inc., and Vector Laboratories Inc.
For more information about Neuroscience 2018 and the SfN’s annual meeting, visit www.sfn.org/annual-meeting/neuroscience-2018.
Published: September 2018