WORLD’S LARGEST BRAIN SCIENCE MEETING UNVEILS NEW SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH AND DISEASE TREATMENTS
SAN DIEGO — Nearly 30,000 attendees will gather in San Diego for the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health: Neuroscience 2013, Nov. 9–13. With more than 15,000 scientific presentations, 600 exhibitors, and 34 professional development workshops and networking functions, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) provides an extraordinary opportunity to share information, learn and discuss the latest brain research findings, and attend public events on the mind, creativity, and art.
“Aided by new technology and scientific innovations, neuroscience is on the cusp of revolutionary advances — and nowhere is that better on display than at Neuroscience 2013,” said SfN President Larry Swanson. “Each year the meeting showcases valuable new research about brain structure, disease, and function in the relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding and the hope for better medical treatments. The spirit of innovation and creativity is evident in the many lectures and presentations, and in the buzz of scientific discourse on the poster floor,” he added.
Recent investment in neuroscience in the U.S., Europe, Canada, China, and elsewhere, has highlighted the importance of scientific discovery in addressing mental and physical health worldwide. More than 1 billion people suffer from 1,000 brain and nervous system diseases and disorders that result in heavy financial burdens to healthcare systems and to families and society each year.
Highlights of this year’s diverse program of events include:
- “Dialogues between Neuroscience and Society” lecture featuring Ed Catmull, PhD, president of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Catmull will speak about creativity and the brain, and issues central to uncovering genius. Sat. Nov. 9, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. PST
- Fred Kavli Public Symposium on Creativity, chaired by Antonio Damasio, PhD. A composer, visual artist, two neuroscientists, and an inventor, will discuss the neuroscience of creativity. Sat. Nov. 9, 1:30–4 p.m. PST
- Special Presentation on “Understanding New Brain Initiatives in the United States and Europe” featuring representatives from U.S. federal agencies and the European Commission discussing the latest investments in brain science. Mon. Nov. 11, 1:15–3 p.m. PST
- The 2013 Presidential Special Lecture Series includes perspectives of leading scientists in the field with a particular focus on the “connectome,” a comprehensive wiring diagram of the brain. Sun., Nov. 10–Wed., Nov. 13, 5:15 p.m. PST
In addition to the program of events, SfN offers a robust press program showcasing findings on brain wellness, diet, development, genetics, and neurological disorders. Eleven press conferences will be held from Sun., Nov. 10–Tues., Nov. 12. View details and register for media credentials at www.sfn.org/pressroom.
For more information, view the final Neuroscience 2013 program and events at www.sfn.org/am2013.
Editor’s note: A working pressroom will be staffed throughout the meeting (Nov. 9–13). Interested reporters can call (619) 525-6260 or email media@sfn.org.
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is an organization of nearly 42,000 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system. More information about the brain can be found at BrainFacts.org, a public information initiative of The Kavli Foundation, the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, and SfN.
