The Excitatory Synapses and Brain Function GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
Synapses are remarkably complex subcellular organelles. They represent key players that mediate the communication between millions of neurons and sculpt information processing in the brain. To achieve such complicated tasks, an intricate molecular machinery is at play, not only to regulate basal synaptic transmission, but also its activity-dependent alterations. The precise regulation of synaptic structure and function is not only important for an appropriate circuit function but, at a larger scale, mediates complex forms of animal behavior.
This GRS aims to understand the molecular, structural and functional mechanisms that underlie synaptic target specificity and its role in functional diversification of neuronal synapses. Moreover, we will examine recent advances on excitatory neuronal network function: from individual receptors, to complex brain circuits underlying behavioral tasks and how this can derail in pathological conditions. The GRS format will allow young scientists to present their work among their peers, while also providing debates for career development in the form of a mentorship panel and round tables with professionals with different research experiences.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by February 26, 2023. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
