Perhaps no other structure is more fundamental to our understanding of the brain than the synapse. The structure, molecular organization, signaling function, and plasticity of excitatory synapses underlie developmental and experience-dependent changes in brain function. However, a fundamental understanding of synaptic function is also essential to progress in lessening the burden of human neurological disease and for predicting and improving mental health. This conference is unique in its focus on the excitatory synapse, and is directed at a multidisciplinary group of participants including structural biologists, molecular and developmental biologists, cell biologists, biochemists, cell/molecular imagers, biophysicists and physiologists. The conference is intended to relate fundamental insights in excitatory synaptic function to the impairments in synaptic function that occur in disease, as well as the maladaptive plasticity that follows brain injury or substance abuse. The program has been designed to highlight cutting edge approaches and to stimulate new concepts, methods and technologies within a sound biological framework of fundamental neuroscience. The conference will bring together experts worldwide in an environment that is conducive to discussion and exchange of ideas. Poster sessions will be matched with the topics of the platform sessions to stimulate exchange between all participants.

We have reserved up to 8 speakers slots for poster submitters for the meeting. We also have some funds to help with the cost of the meeting for poster presenters with preference given to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty. To be considered for these possibilities, you should apply as soon as possible, and no later than July 1, 2009.