The Neuroimmune Communication in Health and Disease 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.
Our understanding of neuroimmunology has been redefined in recent years. The CNS, once considered to be immune privileged, is now recognized as a site of tightly regulated neuroimmune interactions. The study of brain borders is greatly expanded, with new understanding of physiological structures and their role as immunologically dynamic tissues and routes of potential therapeutic intervention. Knowledge of bidirectional regulation and communication between innate and adaptive immune systems and components of central and peripheral nervous systems is exponentially growing. These interactions govern development, homeostasis, host defense, repair and predisposition to future challenges throughout the lifetime. The reciprocal regulation of these systems and their relationship to function across organ systems and organisms as-a-whole, are just beginning to be defined.
The goal of the 2027 GRS is to provide trainees with opportunities to receive constructive feedback on their research in an international forum, while fostering professional development in scientific presentation, discussion leadership, and conference organization. We aim to select trainees from across diverse disciplines to provide a well-rounded view of neuroimmune research and foster interdisciplinary collaborations. This two-day program will include a keynote speaker, short talks selected from submitted abstracts, and poster sessions.
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 October 18, 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.
