Conference Description
The Synaptic Transmission GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
The 2026 Synaptic Transmission Gordon Research Conference will bring together an array of international scientific leaders and early-career scientists to discuss the latest developments and cutting-edge insights into the synaptic mechanisms that control the nervous system in health and disease. Synapses are the fundamental unit of information transfer in the nervous system underpinning the diversity of information encoding that enables complex adaptive behaviors across species. Dysregulation and degeneration of synapses are central to the pathophysiology of most, neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, elucidating the molecular and cellular principles governing synaptic biology is essential for understanding brain function and for the development of therapeutics to treat currently incurable brain disorders. This year’s program integrates pioneering research across a broad range of topics, including synapse development, nanoscale organization, signaling, Hebbian plasticity and homeostasis, the synaptic basis of behavior, and how synaptic dysfunction leads to brain disorders. A strong emphasis will be placed on cross-disciplinary dialogue and mechanistic insights, spanning molecular events to circuit-level phenomena throughout the sessions. The conference will promote dynamic interaction between established scientists and early-career scientists through a balanced program of talks, fostering mentorship and scientific exchange. Dedicated poster sessions inclusive of all career stages, communal meals, and unstructured afternoon time will further encourage informal discussions, collaborative engagement, networking, and community building across disciplines.
The conference will consist of nine sessions, on the topics listed below. The conference chair is currently developing their preliminary program, which will include the names of the invited speakers and discussion leaders for each of these sessions. The preliminary program will be available by October 15, 2025. Please check back for updates.
