The thalamus is intimately interconnected with the cerebral cortex, and thalamocortical connections are a ubiquitous feature of brain organization. With recent technical advances, our views of thalamocortical interactions and their contribution to brain function and dysfunction are rapidly evolving. It is becoming increasingly clear that the thalamus and cortex are dynamic partners in the processing of signals essential for sensory perception, the initiation of complex actions, as well as higher-order cognitive functions. Thalamocortical networks are also sensitive to disease states that can have devastating consequences for individuals and society.

The 2020 Thalamocortical GRC will serve as an important venue to nurture and draw attention to the role of the thalamus in cognitive realms, and help to disseminate novel ideas of thalamic function. This conference will bring together scientists with diverse perspectives and technical expertise from across the world to share and discuss the latest basic and translational research discoveries, and to promote community interaction and collaboration. It is the hope of the organizers that meeting participants will form a critical mass to shape thalamic research in the next decade.

To cultivate the integration and professional advancement of junior investigators, each morning session will include a series of 2-minute/1-slide oral "Poster Preview" presentations (chosen from submitted abstracts), and each evening session will include a 10-minute "Short Talk" (chosen from submitted abstracts).