29th-31st Scientific Conference Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology

Society On Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Martinsburg WV

Investigators

Abstract

The Society on Neuroimmune Pharmacology (SNIP) scientific meetings are focused on uncovering how substance abuse renders humans more susceptible to infection and chronic diseases, with a particular focus on human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). It is the only conference in the US and worldwide devoted to neuroimmune pharmacology, and the neuroimmune axis as it relates to drug abuse, inflammation and brain infections (primarily neuroHIV). SNIP has been previously supported by R13s DA0123184 and DA046315. Our programs feature several seminal presentations never before included in the Society’s agenda. These include plenary speakers, each with unique and significant contributions to their fields, world-famous physician scientists and several luminaries. Keynote and memorial lectures are from leaders in the field who have made groundbreaking contributions including the discovery of vital cellular mechanisms, novel therapeutic compounds and elucidating underlying pathological agents. Expertise includes virology, neurodegenerative diseases pathobiology and therapies, immunology and addiction research. In addition to our keynote and memorial lectures, we have included topics such as community engagement, addiction management and personal accounts about taking care of people that are impacted by these devastating illnesses. These unique seminars provide rich depth regarding the experiences of people with addiction, HIV, and neurological conditions. Every SNIP annual meeting includes symposiums submitted by the membership centered around current and future novel topics of the field. Our line-up includes experts from industry, pharmaceuticals, academic institutes, and independent scientific institutes. These topics highlight the latest technological advances, new treatments and drug formulations, novel diagnostics methodologies, bioinformatics, AI and OMICS advancements, basic and clinical findings. Moreover, several topics highlight aspects of addiction that are unique to individuals with HIV including the contribution of neuroinflammation, the blood-brain barrier, neurons, astrocytes and glia. We also include a SNIP member symposium selected from the submitted abstracts and a Local Organizing Committee Symposium featuring outstanding talent from the local University which changes yearly based on the location of the conference. Additional highlights include lunch with NIH program officials and the NeuroImmune Pharmacology and Therapeutics (NIPT) Journal Dinner. The purpose of this new application is to support SNIP’s annual conference and increase our travel awards to junior and early career investigators (ECI). SNIP has managed to attract and cultivate attendance from national and international experts. A key bedrock to maintain the field’s future scientists and leaders is through our Early Career Investigator Travel Award Committee (ECITA). We provide travel awards to applications with top abstracts. These awards are used to offset the attendee’s costs for housing, air fare, and food related to attendance at the conference. Importantly, the top half of the travel awardees are selected for rapid oral presentations. These presentations provide the opportunity for junior scientists to convey complex scientific results of their project into short concise pitches. An ECI poster session is also held to allow individualized time for discussions with junior scientists about their research. In addition, our program includes lectures on grant writing, mentoring and training opportunities, and career development. We also include a symposium featuring junior investigators who share experiences and answer questions their academic journey. Overall, the conference provides an enriching environment for scientists and clinicians to share ideas, foster the next generation of scientists, and learn about the new trends in the field. Evidence of our sustained impact is reflected by our executive board which is comprised of one third members that began as pre/post-doctoral trainees in SNIP and are now Assistant or Associate Professors.