The Neurobiology of Brain Disorders 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.
The GRS is held in the two days directly before the main GRC. This allows for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience/education to come together prior to the main conference to gain common ground and establish foundational connections in an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, directly enhancing the main GRC. This trainee-led event provides a unique platform to present unpublished findings, participate in in-depth scientific discussions, and cultivate relationships through peer interaction. The chairs for the 2026 conference are Indigo Rose (University of California, San Francisco) and Victoria de los Angeles Soto Linan (Laval University) which each bring a unique perspective from their approaches to studying neurodegenerative disease.
The seminar focuses on biological mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal dementia, ALS, Huntington’s, and related diseases. The program emphasizes both research into the cellular and molecular underpinnings of these diseases, and also therapeutic approaches and translational research. This seminar will conclude with an interactive Q&A session with leaders in the field to discuss their career paths and grant writing 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 April 26, 2026. 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.
