International Meeting of the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology; Amherst, Massachusetts, June 26-30, 2002

Northwestern University, Evanston IL

Investigators

Abstract

The Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology (SBN) is fairly young (founded 1995), and expects attendance of around 300 at this sixth Annual Meeting. The SBN, in its meetings and its journal (Hormones & Behavior) uniquely emphasizes multidisciplinary integration of cellular and molecular concepts into a functional framework involving the brain, behavior, development, evolution and the ecology of social behavior. This concentration linking hormones to many areas of behavior, including both field and laboratory approaches, makes this focal meeting different from other meetings in the field. The conference organizers are highly regarded and experienced, the topics are timely, and in addition to scientific talks there are particular sessions planned for students and trainees on 'survival skills', 'meet-the-professor' lunches, 'alternative careers' and poster sessions with awards expanded to include undergraduate work. Dissemination of the conference findings will be through a special supplemental issue of Hormones & Behavior. The SBN meetings strongly emphasize bringing in students (graduate and undergraduate, representing 1/3 of the total membership) and postdocs for interdisciplinary interactions with established investigators. The potential impact of this conference is high in the fields of neuroendocrinology and behavioral neuroscience, because of the focused discussions shaping future work, the potential to develop new cross-disciplinary collaborations, and the likely interactions and introductions essential to career development of young investigators. Funding from NSF is important to help students, postdocs, and young researchers attend, and for some career development workshop speakers who are not currently society members.