Conference Description
The Optogenetic Approaches to Understanding Neural Circuits and Behavior 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 Gordon Research Seminar on Optogenetic Approaches to Understanding Neural Circuits and Behavior is a unique opportunity for graduate students, post-docs, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience and education to present and exchange new data and cutting-edge ideas. It is also an opportunity to network with a group of outstanding peers that will form the next generation of neuroscientists.This GRS will engage neuroscientists at all levels of optogenetic tool development, utilization, and integration with other methodologies. Through discussion of cutting-edge research related to optogenetics at these various levels, participants can expect to gain insight into strategies used to dissect neural activity over a wide range of behaviors. This GRS will complement the topics in the associated GRC and will have an additional focus on networking, developing presentation skills, and mentoring in a small and collaborative environment.
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 1, 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.
