Winter Conference on Brain Research

Medical University Of South Carolina, Charleston SC

Investigators

Abstract

This application is to request funds to support 15 young investigator travel awards for the annual Winter Conference on Brain Research (WCBR 2025-2027). WCBR is a premier forum dedicated to exploring novel, unpublished, and state-of-the-art advances that change the way we think about the future of neuroscience. With approximately 500 attendees, the conference is intentionally designed to move beyond incremental research review and instead focus on disseminating innovative and potentially paradigm-shifting discoveries. The program features over 80 panel presentations and poster sessions, with an emphasis on merit-based science. This is highlighted by a special judged poster session that features top-ranking submissions, which are predominantly presented by young investigators. The meeting structure provides extended periods for intense scientific discussion and networking, creating a unique opportunity for junior investigators and trainees to engage with established leaders in the field in a relaxed atmosphere. The conference also features highly attended Professional Development Workshops and sessions designed to illuminate the most cutting-edge technologies in neuroscience. The scientific program is developed annually from abstract submissions and is highly relevant to the missions of NIDA and NIAAA. A significant portion of the conference is dedicated to the neurobiological bases of substance use disorders (SUDs), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and related neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. For example, the 2024 meeting included 17 panels on abused drugs and 46 panels on related topics like CNS plasticity. Thus, a large proportion of the conference is highly relevant to understanding the neurobiological bases of substance use disorders (SUDs) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) as well as neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders consistent with NIDA and NIAAA missions. The fact that a large proportion of the participants are junior investigators and a significant number are graduate students and postdocs ensures that this conference has an impact on how future generations of neuroscientists view these issues.