New Programming

The SfN Program Committee is intentional about creating new opportunities for attendees to connect with the joy of science at the annual meeting — the premiere space for scientific collaboration, innovation, and education.

Check out the following presentation formats and session types, new to SfN's annual meeting this year.

New for 2018: Dual Perspectives

This session is intended to serve as a platform where annual meeting attendees can learn about the history and the various arguments, research, and viewpoints surrounding a particular hot topic. The 2018 presenters, Vikaas Sohal and Jessica Cardin, will deliver their views on gamma oscillations. Join us for this vibrant discussion, moderated by Matthew Shapiro of SfN's Program Committee.

Gamma - Fumes or Fundamental

Moderator: Elizabeth Buffalo, PhD
Speakers: Jessica A. Cardin, PhD; Vikaas S. Shohal, MD, PhD
Date & Time: Monday, November 5, 2018 1-2 p.m. PST
Location: San Diego Convention Center 10

Gamma (γ) oscillations (~20–100 Hz) are associated with sensory processing, cognition, memory, and attention. There is general agreement that γ oscillations represent potentially useful markers of local circuit dynamics but major debate about whether the oscillations themselves contribute to brain function. Two researchers, Vikaas Sohal and Jess Cardin, will argue for different sides of this debate. Do oscillations enhance specific functions of cortical circuits, or do they mainly provide insight into ongoing synaptic interactions among cells?

Storytelling Minisymposium

First held at Neuroscience 2016, the Storytelling Minisymposium invites a panel of speakers to tell inspiring stories about their personal experiences, the impact of such experiences have had on their career in neuroscience, and how to communicate stories within and beyond the scientific community.

Telling Stories of Science

Chair: Wendy A. Suzuki, PhD, New York University
Date & Time: Sunday, Nov. 4, 1:30–4 p.m. PST
Location: San Diego Convention Center 6E

Now more than ever, it is essential that scientists actively engage with the public. Through storytelling, or the use of a personal narrative, we can bring science to life and improve communication not only with the public but also within the scientific community. In this minisymposium, presentations about the science of storytelling and why and how to tell stories, as well as three powerful personal stories, will demonstrate how storytelling can transform science communication and promote scientific progress.

Basic-Translational-Clinical Roundtables

Introduced at SfN's annual meeting in 2016, these roundtables integrate basic, translational, and clinical aspects of a disease of disorder with particular emphasis on new developments, controversies, or updates. Sessions are designed to stimulate debate and to engage the audience. With the addition of a fourth roundtable, the 2018 sessions will focus on neuropsychiatry, neurological disorders, neurodegeneration, and patient perspectives of neuroprosthetic devices.

What We Know, What We Don't Know: How Can We Better Understand Alzheimer's Disease to Develop Effective Treatments?

Organizer/Moderator: David M. Holtzman, MD, Washington University
Date & Time: Sunday, Nov. 4, 8:30–11 a.m. PST
Location: San Diego Convention Center 10
CME: 2.5

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Genetics, environment, and lifestyle likely contribute to the development of AD. Recent genetic data suggest a key role for glia in influencing AD. AD pathology can now be detected by assessing biomarkers in living people, and many promising treatments are in development. This session will review an update of the main molecules that play a role in AD and discuss the current understanding of AD, new diagnostic methods, and treatments.

Molecular Therapies for Neurological Diseases

Organizer/Moderator: Frank Bennett, PhD, Ionis Pharmaceuticals
Date & Time: Monday, Nov. 5, 8:30–11 a.m. PST
Location: San Diego Convention Center 10
CME: 2.5

This roundtable will highlight spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as an example of the progress being made in translating knowledge of the molecular basis of a disease to therapies that transform how the disease is managed. Topics to be discussed include SMA background, antisense, gene therapy, and small molecule approaches to treat SMA. In addition, lessons learned from these development programs will be discussed, highlight how they translate to other neurological disease.

Rapid Antidepressant Action: Synaptic Mechanisms and Clinical Aspects

Organizer/Moderator: Ege T. Kavalali, PhD, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Date & Time: Monday, Nov. 5, 1:30–4 p.m. PST
Location: San Diego Convention Center 30E
CME: 2.5

The discovery of rapidly acting antidepressant treatments has generated tremendous enthusiasm. Ketamine, a glutamate receptor antagonist, produces rapid and sustained antidepressant responses in patients. Deep brain stimulation has also shown promise for the treatment of depression. The mechanisms underlying rapid antidepressant responses provide novel perspectives into mood disorders and their treatment. This panel will discuss these novel treatments and the mechanisms underlying their action.

Neuroprosthetic Devices: A Patient's Perspective on Brain Computer

Organizer/Moderator: Florian Solzbacher, PhD, University of Utah
Date & Time: Tuesday, Nov. 6, 8:30–11 a.m. PST
Location: San Diego Convention Center 10
CME: 2.5

Patients will talk about their physical limitations and why they participated in time-intensive research for scientific knowledge. They will cover the challenges, breakthroughs, and difficult decisions that come with wearing a neuroprosthetic device. They will also speak to the benefits, despite trial and error methodologies and invasive surgeries, of participating in brain-computer interface (BCI) research, how it has changed their lives, and where they believe researchers should push the future of BCI technologies.

Do you have an idea for a new session that should be held at SFN's annual meeting? Review SfN's current session types and mark your calendar with submission deadlines for session proposals.

Can't find a current session type that fits your idea? Submit your suggestion to program@sfn.org.