The Optical Control of Neural Excitability short course will examine several technologies for using light to remotely control the activity of neurons. Light-regulated molecular tools can be used to rapidly and specifically excite or inhibit cells in the intact nervous system. The methods include the optical control of membrane excitability, synaptic transmission, and/or the activity of second messenger molecules. Neurons can be experimentally excited or inhibited in complex cellular and temporal patterns, far beyond what is possible with conventional electrophysiological methods.

The speakers include experts in the fabrication of optically activated molecules, the application of caged compounds, as well as developers of novel and exotic light gated molecular switches. The course will also examine genetic approaches for optical control using light-regulated channels and proteins. Collectively the faculty will provide a sophisticated and cutting edge examination of the field from various perspectives, giving students a balanced and comprehensive overview of optical control methods in neuroscience. This day long course consists of a series of lectures by the faculty, followed by informal breakout sessions, and includes a syllabus book.

Lecturers

Haig Keshishian, PhD (organizer), Yale University; Ehud Y. Isacoff, University of California, Berkeley; Joseph P. Y. Kao, PhD, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute; Richard H. Kramer, PhD, University of California, Berkeley; Bernardo L. Sabatini, MD, PhD, Harvard Medical School; Ernst Bamberg, PhD, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics; Phil Haydon, PhD, Tufts University; Gero Miesenböck, MD, University of Oxford

Student Member: $90
Student Nonmember: $120
Postdoctoral Member: $160
Postdoctoral Nonmember: $200
Faculty Member: $205
Faculty Nonmember: $255

Contact:
Claire MacDonald
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-Mail: cmacdonald@sfn.org.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health issue with more than 1.4 million people in the U.S. sustaining civilian brain injuries each year, including 50,000 who die from their injuries and 235,000 who are hospitalized. In addition, many other individuals sustain more “mild” injuries, such as concussions. Furthermore, TBI is one of the two signature injuries sustained by our soldiers in the gulf wars. TBI can occur in many forms, including concussions, contusions, penetrating injuries, white matter shear injuries, and blast injuries. The effects of traumatic brain injury may be immediate, progressive well after the initial trauma, or may appear at a time significantly later than the injury itself. These effects may include cognitive, behavioral, motor, sensory, and language dysfunction, and may also be manifest as epileptic events. This workshop will focus on the mechanisms underlying different forms of TBI, and the mechanisms underlying progressive lesions developing after TBI, acute and subacuteneuroprotective strategies for TBI, mechanisms of endogenous brain repair after injury, and other forms of neurorehabilitation strategies, including brain stimulation and cell transplantation. The morning lectures will start with a description of the problem and the presentation of a patient who has survived TBI. They will proceed to focus on neurobiological issues important in TBI research. The afternoon breakout workshops will focus on specific research approaches to the problem of TBI and will permit close interactions between selected research faculty and participants in the workshop.

A reception at the close of the day affords students and faculty the opportunity to interact and explore remaining questions informally.

Target audience: graduate, postdoctoral students, and assistant professors.

Registration is limited.

Morning Lecturers:

Michael Yochelson, MD, National Rehabilitation Hospital; Kathryn E. Saatman, PhD, University of Kentucky; Pat Kochanek, MD, University of Pittsburgh; Ross Zafonte, DO, Harvard Medical School; Randolph Nudo, PhD, University of Kansas; Steve Flanagan, MD, New York University School of Medicine

Afternoon Discussion Group Leaders:

Ronald Hayes, PhD, Banyan Biomarkers, Inc; Pat Kochanek, MD, University of Pittsburgh; Alvaro Pascual-Leone, MD, PhD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Leonardo Cohen, MD, NIH; Doug Smith, MD, University of Pennsylvania; Kathy Saatman, PhD, University of Kentucky; Marc Dichter, MD, PhD (co-organizer), University of Pennsylvania; Raimondo D’Ambrosio, PhD, University of Washington; CE (Ed) Dixon, PhD, University of Pittsburgh; Ross Bullock, MD, PhD, University of Miami; Michael Selzer, MD, PhD (co-organizer), DVA and University of Pennsylvania; Mary Bunge, PhD, University of Miami; Jeffrey D. Maklis, MD, DHST, Harvard University; Deborah Watson, PhD, University of Pennsylvania; Ibolja Cernak, MD, ME, PhD, Johns Hopkins University; Jeffrey Kocsis, PhD, Yale University School of Medicine

Contact:
Claire MacDonald
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-mail: cmacdonald@sfn.org

When using immunocytochemistry, investigators may not know how to select the best method, optimize staining, or troubleshoot the methods when staining fails. Lacking are guides for comparing techniques and applying information derived from one staining method to another. Newer methods that employ tyramine signal amplification or quantum dot technology increase signal detection and allow double labeling even with two antisera generated in the same species. A twist to immunocytochemistry is non-radioactive in situ hybridization. An understanding of how immunocytochemistry is best applied facilitates non-radioactive based approaches for in situ hybridization analysis. The precision of product generation of antibody visualization even makes certain of the non-isotopic methods quantitative. This workshop provides a practical approach to methods of immunocytochemistry and non-radioactive in situ hybridization to appraise the neuroscience community of advances in antibody-based staining techniques. This day long course consists of a series of lectures by the faculty, followed by informal breakout sessions, and includes a syllabus book.

Lecturers

Gloria Hoffman, PhD (organizer), Morgan State University; Zsuzsanna Toth, PhD, Semmelweis University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences; Kevin Roth, MD, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Denis Baskin, PhD, VA Puget Sound Health Care/University of Washington; Eva Mezey, PhD, NIH

Student Member: $90
Student Nonmember: $120
Postdoctoral Member: $160
Postdoctoral Nonmember: $200
Faculty Member: $205
Faculty Nonmember: $255

Contact:
Claire MacDonald
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-Mail: cmacdonald@sfn.org

The dynamical patterns of electrical activity of neurons provide a crucial bridge between cellular and psychological/behavioral levels of analysis in neuroscience. Over the last decade or so, a significant amount of research has gone into the development of signal processing tools to quantify neuronal dynamics. These methods have been applied to a wide variety of neural signals, including EEG/MEG and single electrode recordings, as well as more contemporary multielectrode recordings or imaging techniques. These quantitative methods have now reached a certain level of maturity, indicated by common measures and signal processing algorithms used in research papers, shared analysis software (such as Chronux), and pedagogical material in courses. Apart from bridging cellular and systems levels of analysis, these methods also provide a critical link between experimental data and theoretical models.

This short course will provide a survey of topics from this field, including methods for analyzing point process signals (spike trains) and continuous process signals (LFP, EEG, behavioral recordings). Nonparametric smoothing and spectral estimation techniques will be complemented by parametric stochastic process models. Pedagogical lectures in the morning will be followed by tutorial exercises which the participants can carry out on their own laptop computers using data sets and analysis software which will be provided. This day long course consists of a series of lectures by the faculty, followed by informal breakout sessions, and includes a syllabus book.

Participants are advised to bring a laptop in order to follow the tutorial sessions. We will provide a temporary MATLAB license for people who do not already have a supported version of MATLAB containing the signal processing toolbox installed. The tutorials have been tested successfully on MATLAB versions 7.0, and R2006a-R2008a for Windows 32 bit and Linux 32 and 64 bit versions. Those with Windows 64 bit or Mac computers will be able to run most but not all of the tutorial scripts.

Lecturers

Partha Mitra, PhD (organizer), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Hemant Bokil, PhD; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Uri Eden, PhD, Boston University; Robert Kass, PhD, Carnegie Mellon University; David Kleinfeld, PhD, University of California, San Diego; Bijan Pesaran, PhD, New York University; Sridevi Sarma, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Andrew Sornborger, PhD, University of Georgia; Keith Purpura, PhD, Weill Cornell Medical College; Ofer Tchernichovski, PhD, City College of New York

Student Member: $90
Student Nonmember: $120
Postdoctoral Member: $160
Postdoctoral Nonmember: $200
Faculty Member: $205
Faculty Nonmember: $255

Contact:
Claire MacDonald
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-Mail: cmacdonald@sfn.org

These workshops will provide participants with instruction in a range of professional skills that are necessary for a successful career. Days 1 and 2 are designed to be independent of each other, thus participants may choose to attend either or both days. Different sessions will address the specific needs of faculty, postdoctoral students, graduate students, and undergraduates.

Day 1 will assist participants in career development. Sessions will focus on selecting careers, finding and maintaining employment, getting into graduate school, picking the right postdoctoral position, and how to succeed as a new faculty member at a primarily undergraduate institution. The process of looking for a job will be detailed, including information on networking and developing an effective “package” (i.e., CV or resume, cover letter, statement of interests). Individuals from colleges, industry, publishing, and research administration will participate in a panel discussion of career options. Panelists will then join participants in a networking reception designed to facilitate further discussion, which will be followed by dinner and a keynote address.

Day 2 will provide extensive information on grant writing. NIH and NSF program officers will discuss specific funding opportunities and general tips for successful grant-writing, and the Survival Skills and Ethics Program will provide strategies for writing a strong proposal and avoiding common pitfalls. Lunchtime will provide an opportunity for participants to talk informally with program officers from NIH and NSF. At that time you can get answers to your general or personal questions related to obtaining funding.

Web site: www.survival.pitt.edu

Cost: Day 1, $35 in advance, $45 at the door (includes meals, coffee breaks, and handouts); Day 2, no cost for sessions; lunch available for $20. Day 2 handouts and lunch option guaranteed only for individuals who pre-register. [Co-organized by Beth Fischer and Michael Zigmond (University of Pittsburgh), Julio Ramirez (Davidson College), and Stephen Korn (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), sponsored by SfN, and supported by the National Institutes of Health (NS46740).]

Contact:
Phone: (412) 578-3716

Support contributed by NINDS, in collaboration with other institutes of NIH and NSF

This workshop is for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty at all stages of training and career development. If you want information on NIH and NSF funding opportunities and how to go about getting funded, this workshop is for you. Program and review staff from NIH and NSF will discuss fellowships and career development grants, and take your questions. The workshop will discuss the “Do’s and Don’ts” of how to apply, good “grantsmanship,” picking the appropriate mentor/sponsor, picking the appropriate grant mechanism, what to expect from review, and other issues. This is a good opportunity for you to get to know NIH and NSF staff, establish contacts, and get ahead. This program is given in conjunction with the Professional Skills Workshop already in progress. Registration for the NIH/NSF section of the program is not required, and all are welcome. The NIH/NSF portion of the workshop will take place from 8:30 - 10 a.m. Those in attendance are welcome to stay from 10 a.m. - noon for the Professional Skills Workshop presentation on grant writing. In addition, attendees are welcome to remain for lunch with NIH and NSF officials (there will be a fee for lunch). Registration is required for all other parts of the Professional Skills Workshop.

These workshops will provide participants with instruction in a range of professional skills that are necessary for a successful career. Days 1 and 2 are designed to be independent of each other, thus participants may choose to attend either or both days. Different sessions will address the specific needs of faculty, postdoctoral students, graduate students, and undergraduates.

Day 1 will assist participants in career development. Sessions will focus on selecting careers, finding and maintaining employment, getting into graduate school, picking the right postdoctoral position, and how to succeed as a new faculty member at a primarily undergraduate institution. The process of looking for a job will be detailed, including information on networking and developing an effective “package” (i.e., CV or resume, cover letter, statement of interests). Individuals from colleges, industry, publishing, and research administration will participate in a panel discussion of career options. Panelists will then join participants in a networking reception designed to facilitate further discussion, which will be followed by dinner and a keynote address.

Day 2 will provide extensive information on grant writing. NIH and NSF program officers will discuss specific funding opportunities and general tips for successful grant-writing, and the Survival Skills and Ethics Program will provide strategies for writing a strong proposal and avoiding common pitfalls. Lunchtime will provide an opportunity for participants to talk informally with program officers from NIH and NSF. At that time you can get answers to your general or personal questions related to obtaining funding.

Web site: www.survival.pitt.edu

Cost: Day 1, $35 in advance, $45 at the door (includes meals, coffee breaks, and handouts); Day 2, no cost for sessions; lunch available for $20. Day 2 handouts and lunch option guaranteed only for individuals who pre-register. [Co-organized by Beth Fischer and Michael Zigmond (University of Pittsburgh), Julio Ramirez (Davidson College), and Stephen Korn (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), sponsored by SfN, and supported by the National Institutes of Health (NS46740).]

Contact:
Phone: (412) 578-3716

You know that the European Union (EU) is offering funding for scientific research but do you know where to look for it?

The 7th EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), provides funding opportunities for scientists of all nationalities and at all stages of career development.

In this session, you will learn about several types of EU funding, including collaborative grants, individual grants, and post-doctoral fellowships.

Talks will be tailored specifically to meet the needs of the neuroscience community. Speakers, from diverse scientific backgrounds, will answer questions and offer first-hand information and helpful tips to navigate the EU grant writing and review process.

Contact:
Patrizia Tosetti, PhD
European Commission
E-mail: patrizia.tosetti@ec.europa.eu

In a series of six concurrent sessions, experts will describe their research techniques and accomplishments in a personal context that offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at factors influencing the expert's work. Each 90-minute session offers an opportunity for students and postdoctoral researchers to engage the expert in an informal dialogue over breakfast. No registration is required, but seating is limited.

The Experts:

Theme A Expert: Marla Feller, PhD, University of California-Berkeley
Monitoring the Assembly of Neural Circuits using Synaptic Physiology and Imaging
Throughout the developing brain, before circuits have reached their mature state, they exhibit highly correlated spontaneous firing patterns. I study this phenomenon in the developing retina, where long before there is any response to light, the output cells of the retina spontaneously generates propagating neural activity, termed retinal waves. This discussion will highlight our understanding of how the retinal circuitry changes during development, such that it transitions from spontaneously generating waves to an adult sensory epithelium.

Theme B Expert: Tom Blanpied, PhD, University of Maryland
Smaller, Faster, Longer, Deeper: Cellular Imaging in the Translational Era.
Cellular neuroscience relies increasingly on GFP technologies and high-resolution imaging to report the organization, movement, and interactions of organelles, proteins, and molecules inside living neurons. The explosion of these techniques has driven both basic research and increasingly fruitful translational science. In this session, we will discuss questions surrounding these exciting advances. Where is neuroscience heading with cellular imaging techniques? How do these techniques most successfully integrate with other approaches? How can young researchers and small labs stay at the crest of the technological wave?

Theme C Expert: John Cirrito, PhD, Washington University in St. Louis
Simultaneously Measuring Neuronal Activity and Extracellular Peptides in vivo
Neuronal release of neurotransmitters is the basis of synaptic transmission. Growing evidence demonstrates that neuronal activity can cause secretion of non-synaptic proteins as well. Being able to measure neuronal activity and extracellular protein levels at the same time can provide useful tools to assess the relationship between these two things. In vivo microdialysis measures small molecules and peptides within the brain extracellular space. Recording electrodes can be attached directly the microdialysis probe in order to simultaneously record extracellular field potentials (depth EEG) at the same place peptides are being sampled. It is also possible to record evoked potentials when a stimulating electrode is co-implanted near the microdialysis probe. All of this occurs in a mouse (or rat) that is awake and behaving.

Theme D Expert: Karl Deisseroth, MD, PhD, Stanford University
Optogenetics: Development, Techniques, and Application
Optogenetics is a new approach involving microbial opsins and solid-state optical technology, that can allow millisecond-precision bidirectional control of defined cell types in freely behaving mammals. This new approach involves a complex set of diverse experimental skills. This session will discuss the pros and cons of optogenetics, address technical challenges and experimental solutions, and share strategies for implementing this approach in the laboratory in a cross-disciplinary research team. Particular attention will be given to 1) technology development strategies and 2) application to neuropychiatric disease models.

Theme E Expert: Margaret McCarthy, PhD, University of Maryland
Exploring the "Neuro" in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology
Hormones potentially regulate the development and activation of neural circuits controlling complex behaviors. Recent advances have been substantial and state-of-the-art, but some would argue the emphasis on endocrinology is at the expense of neuroscience, leaving us with a poor grasp of the neural mechanisms mediating complex multifactorial behaviors. Moreover, much of mainstream neuroscience fails to consider the importance of hormones as critical variables. How can we as a discipline solve this problem? I will discuss some of my own successes and failures and hopefully stimulate discussion with the audience to promote new strategies and directions for research in behavioral neuroendocrinology.

Theme F Expert: Randy L. Buckner, PhD, Harvard University
Imaging the Mind - Where We Are, Where We Need to Go
Twenty-five years ago, only Star Trek would have predicted the possibility of imaging the mind at work. Now, scanners routinely available in hospitals and research settings provide tools that enable snapshots and movies of the brain at work. We will discuss both where we are in terms of brain imaging methods and what we will need to do to make the next set of breakthroughs.

Registration is not required but seating is limited.

Contact:
Claire MacDonald
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-Mail: cmacdonald@sfn.org

In this event, dancer David Leventhal of the Mark Morris Dance Group will join Mark Morris to describe the experience of teaching customized dance workshops for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. A video presentation is included. Registration must be processed at the time of annual meeting registration.
Contact:
Julie Orlando-Castro
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-mail: jcastro@sfn.org

Organized by the Society for Neuroscience in collaboration with the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives.
This annual event brings together new and experienced advocates who work to improve public knowledge about the brain and the progress of brain research. The future of the Brain Awareness campaign will be examined as we approach its 15th anniversary. Speakers will include SfN President-Elect Tom Carew. A networking reception and poster session highlighting recent Brain Awareness events and ideas will follow the short formal program. Attendees will have the opportunity to share experiences and insights about all types of neuroscience education programs. Contact Corinne Dreskin to present a poster at this event.
Contact:
Corinne Dreskin
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-mail: corinne@sfn.org

When we think about teaching, many of us think first about presentation, what we will say and do as teachers. But we also need to think about learning, what our students will absorb and how we can help them be more effective. This year's teaching workshop focuses on structuring neuroscience courses to promote deep learning. It begins with a video about a physics course that changed its approach from "telling" to "asking," with students working in class to solidify concepts (Eric Mazur, Harvard). This will be followed by a panel describing ways of fostering active learning in neuroscience courses: organizing a graduate core course for long-term retention (Karen Gale, Georgetown), holding video conferences with researchers (Michael Barresi, Smith), using blogs to encourage writing (Christina Williams, Duke), creating a wiki for student-authored lecture notes (Richard Olivo, Smith), and finally, using and misusing PowerPoint (Ron Hoy, Cornell). We'll end with breakout groups, informal conversations among faculty teaching similar courses.

The workshop is open to graduate students, postdocs, and faculty at every level of teaching experience. There is no fee or preregistration.

Website for schedule and details: http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~bok_cen/sfn

Contact:
Richard Olivo, PhD
Harvard University
Email: rolivo@fas.harvard.edu

This workshop will provide participants with information on how to form and maintain a chapter, and how to develop successful educational outreach activities. Formation and activities of chapters based outside North America will be given special emphasis this year.

The chair of the Membership & Chapters Committee will give a brief presentation on funding opportunities and answer questions from the workshop participants. Following this, experts on science outreach at the local chapter level will make presentations and lead small group discussions on specific themes, including:

• Educational/Public Outreach Activities
• Brain Awareness Week
• International Chapters

Participants will also have an opportunity to interact with fellow chapter representatives, share success stories, and discuss concerns with SfN leadership. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required to attend this event; to register, please contact the Chapters Coordinator.

Contact:
Lori Bocek
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-mail: chapters@sfn.org

Organizer/Moderator: Gregory J. Quirk, PhD
Despite meteoric progress in neuroscience research, disparities in neurological health and research capacity, particularly in low and middle income countries remain, raising the question of how to encourage neuroscience research and collaboration that benefits the developing world. Many of the new translational approaches involve access to expensive technology, with profound ethical implications. Distinguished panelists will discuss what is known about the diseases and disorders that most contribute to the burden of nervous system dysfunction around the world and identify ways to implement neuroethics in a global context.

Contact:
Mimi Moll
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-mail: mmoll@sfn.org

Come hear the latest word from NSF program officers on funding opportunities for neuroscientists, including all areas of basic neuroscience research and networking, education and training, career development opportunities, and large-scale multidisciplinary centers. Talk with neuroscientists who have been successful in receiving NSF funding. General information about the agency, the review process, and tips for writing successful proposals will also be presented. NSF will also maintain an exhibit booth featuring relevant publications and program officers available for extended conversations.

Contact:
Diane M. Witt, PhD
Acting Deputy Division Director
Division of Integrative Organismal Systems
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson, Blvd., Room 685
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: (703) 292-8423
Fax: (703)292-9153
E-mail: dwitt@nsf.gov

Organizer/Moderator: Jeffrey H. Kordower, PhD
With 90 illegal attacks against researchers in 2007, institutions need to improve protections to help ensure safe and secure environments for research. At this workshop, university administration, communications officers, and security professionals will discuss with participants ways SfN members can engage their institutions to prepare for animal extremist activity, building on SfN’s Best Practices for Protecting Researchers and Research. Separate registration is requested for this free workshop. Breakfast will be provided.

Jeffrey Kordower
Chair, Committee on Animals in Research

Bruce Margon
Vice Chancellor for Research University of California, Santa Cruz

Jim Newman
Assistant Director, Media Relations Oregon Health and Science University

Lt. Michael Newton
University of Wisconsin Police Department

Jan Gnadt
Director, Division of Comparative Medicine Georgetown University Medical Center


Contact:
Erica Froyd
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-mail: efroyd@sfn.org

This workshop will be devoted to a discussion of the challenges and opportunities for a variety of career paths — within and outside academia. Capitalizing on the different perspectives and expertise of distinguished neuroscientists, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working in a non academic setting and the training and skills required for such positions. The workshop will also address transitioning between jobs and job sectors, and will allow the attendees to network with colleagues and speakers at breakfast. Registration is not required.
Contact:
Mayra Mori, PhD
Wyeth Research
E-mail: morim2@wyeth.com

Want to fund your training but overwhelmed by the maze of NIH award opportunities? Have plenty of ideas, but not sure how to frame them in a training proposal?

This training workshop is designed to introduce senior graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior, non-independent faculty to the training opportunities available at NIH. Representatives from NIA will introduce the range of K-series awards that are available, and discuss the eligibility criteria and advantages and disadvantages of each award in a variety of situations. NIA representatives also will discuss the elements of K-series awards, including the mentoring and educational plans, and institutional support and commitment.

Members of the NIA-N grant review committee from the scientific community will discuss features that lead to a successful proposal. This includes choosing the correct K-award, matching the applicant’s level of prior training with future needs, selecting a mentor, developing an effective training plan, and assembling a scientific plan that is appropriate for your level of training and career development.

This workshop is being held in memory of Dr. Louise Hsu, a long-term Scientific Review Officer of the NIA-N committee who was actively involved with and cared deeply about trainees’ grant applications.

Participants

Murray Grossman, MD, EdD – Moderator, University of Pennsylvania
Neil Buckholtz, PhD – Discussant, NIA, NIH
William Cruce, PhD – Discussant, NIA, NIH
Chyren Hunter, PhD – Discussant, NIA, NIH
Nina Silverberg, PhD – Discussant, NIA, NIH
Reisa Sperling, MD – Discussant, Harvard Medical School
Hui Zheng, PhD – Discussant, Baylor College of Medicine


Contact:
Murray Grossman, MD, EdD
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Email:mgrossman@mail.upenn.edu

The issue of combining family and career responsibilities is on the forefront of many scientists’ minds. This workshop aims to provide a forum for exchange of ideas on managing family and career for men and women in neuroscience. To achieve this aim, a group of neuroscientists at various stages of their careers and in various work situations (including junior and senior positions, academics and alternative careers, and administration) will present the options that they have utilized or are provided at their institutions in order to successfully navigate the line between scientist and parent/spouse. The format of this workshop will be a brief presentation by a platform of four to five speakers on the topic of combining family and career responsibilities, followed by questions and answers and break-out groups.

Contact:
Kimberly Byrnes, PhD
Georgetown University
Email: krb27@georgetown.edu

The Committee on Women in Neuroscience (C-WIN) will host its third annual “A Celebration of Women in Neuroscience” luncheon. The luncheon will feature SfN Past President Huda Akil and honor women leaders in the neurosciences with a special slide show. Table discussions will explore the horizon for generations of women and men to come, and review new directions and priorities for C-WIN. Registration for the 2008 “A Celebration of Women in Neuroscience” Luncheon is full.
Contact:
Claire MacDonald
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-mail:cmacdonald@sfn.org

Organizer/Moderator: John Morrison, PhD
On the heels of a significant national election, join renowned science policy and political experts to discuss U.S. presidential and congressional election results and the potential impact on science funding and policy. With U.S. science funding at a near standstill, this forum will highlight the prospects for improving support for the research enterprise and help SfN members learn how to help shape the future of science funding and advocacy.

The Speakers:

Katrina L. Kelner, PhD Deputy Editor, Life Sciences, Science

The Honorable John Porter Former U.S. Representative and Chair, Research!America Board of Directors

Harold Varmus, MD Former NIH Director and President, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Wendell Primus, PhD Senior Policy Advisor for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

Contact:
Mimi Moll
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-mail: mmoll@sfn.org

Join the SfN leadership to discuss matters of SfN business.

Contact:
Beth Farrell
Society for Neuroscience
Phone: (202) 962-4000
E-mail: beth@sfn.org

A reception will be held for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. No invitation required.