LSU recently hosted its inaugural Neuroscience Symposium, an event that aimed to bring together minds from diverse backgrounds to advance the understanding of the brain and nervous system, according to this news release from Louisiana State University. Held at the Pennington Biomedical Research Conference Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Friday, March 8, the symposium was organized by the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN BTR).

The symposium’s objective was aligned with the mission of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) – to integrate research from various scientific fields focused on biological organization, thereby promoting a deeper understanding of the brain and nervous system. Moreover, it aimed to encourage translational research, which applies knowledge gained from basic research to develop improved treatments and cures for neurological diseases.

A variety of presentations were delivered by esteemed institutions including Louisiana State University (LSU), LSU Health Sciences Center, and Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Additionally, a Poster Session provided an avenue for researchers to showcase their work. The keynote address, titled “Uncovering principles to sustain neurons’ long lives: signaling redundancy and resiliency at the onset of neurodegenerative disease,” was delivered by Nicolas G. Bazan, MD, PhD, Boyd Professor and Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at the Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.

Alexander Murashov, PhD, President of SfN BTR and Department Head of LSU Comparative Biomedical Sciences, emphasized the commitment of LSU to prioritize scholarship and support the mission of advancing understanding in neuroscience. He stated, “As the flagship for Louisiana, we are committed to Scholarship First. Being active in the Society for Neuroscience chapter, we are supporting the mission to advance our understanding of the brain and nervous system.”

Echoing this sentiment, Arend Van Gemmert, PhD, Treasurer for SfN BTR and Associate Dean of the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, highlighted the importance of bringing neuroscience leaders together to showcase the breadth of scientific endeavors aimed at improving lives through basic, behavioral, and translational research.

The symposium featured presentations covering a wide range of topics including the neural correlates of substance abuse, social interaction and fear, memory, and vision. This interdisciplinary approach underscored the commitment ofLSU institutions to prioritize scholarship and address challenges vital to the future of fields such as agriculture, biotechnology, defense, and energy.

The success of the event was made possible through generous contributions from various entities including theDepartment of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, LSU Veterinary School, LSU Foundation, and Pennington Biomedical Research Center. The Baton Rouge Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience expressed gratitude to these supporters for their commitment to advancing neuroscience research.

In addition to serving as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, the inaugural Neuroscience Symposium at LSU sparked conversations that will likely resonate far beyond its duration. The connections forged and insights gained during the event are poised to catalyze future research endeavors, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of neuroscience.

As participants departed from the symposium, they carried with them not only new ideas and perspectives but also a renewed sense of purpose in their quest to unravel the complexities of the brain. With continued dedication to scholarship and collaboration, the impact of LSU’s Neuroscience Symposium is sure to reverberate throughout the scientific community, offering hope for advancements that could ultimately enhance the quality of life for countless individuals affected by neurological disorders.

In conclusion, the inaugural Neuroscience Symposium at LSU served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advancing research in neuroscience. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, the event contributed to the collective effort to unravel the mysteries of the brain and nervous system, paving the way for improved treatments and cures for neurological disorders.

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