From Stem Cells to Circuits

The 2014 Gordon Conference on Neural Development, in Newport, Rhode Island, will present cutting-edge research on the molecular, cellular and functional aspects of brain development and plasticity. Sessions will cover neural stem cells, cellular heterogeneity, transcriptional and epigenetic control of cell fate, wiring the brain, synapse formation and elimination, development and refinement of circuits, CNS-periphery interactions, brain evolution and regeneration, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The meeting will highlight diverse model systems and novel technological advances in molecular genetics and in vivo imaging that have led to recent breakthroughs in the field. The Conference will bring together investigators at the forefront of their field and will provide ample opportunities for discussion in informal settings and for junior scientists and graduate students to exchange ideas with leaders in the field. Some poster presenters will be selected for short talks. Informal mentoring workshops for students, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty will also be held on topics such as funding, obtaining independent positions, and publishing. In addition, this year, the first Neural Development Gordon Research Seminar will be held in conjunction with this long standing GRC to facilitate participation among young investigators. Members of underrepresented minority groups are especially encouraged to attend.