The synapse serves as the basic signaling unit of the nervous system. Information transfer at the synapse, called synaptic transmission underlies every aspect of brain function and is relevant to most neurological diseases, as well as mental illness and drug addiction. The communication between neurons is a highly complex, dynamically regulated process and a comprehensive understanding of such a process requires a multidisciplinary approach and the complementary use of cutting-edge techniques. The Gordon Research Conference on Synaptic Transmission, established in 1998, highly successful and widely attended since then, has developed into the quintessential biannual meeting covering all aspects of synaptic communication.

The 2012 Conference will present major recent advances on a wide range of topics related to synaptic transmission including vesicle fusion, structure function relationships, novel forms of plasticity and integration of synaptic function into neuronal networks. The Conference will bring together a diverse group of investigators who are at the forefront of their field, and will provide ample opportunities for junior scientists and graduate students to present their work in poster format and exchange ideas with world-class leaders in the field. Some poster presenters will be selected for short talks. In addition, keynote lectures will be delivered by two outstanding scientists whose work on synapses and networks is both highly influential and complementary. Past participants have lauded this GRC for the high quality of unpublished data being presented and for the collegial and interactive atmosphere where scientists at all levels felt welcome to join in the discussion of recent advances in synaptic physiology.