Western Neurotrauma Symposium

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the top causes of death and disability worldwide. However, due to its complexity, it remains one of the most challenging neurological conditions to treat. Advances in our understanding of TBI pathobiology and improvements in clinical care for TBI require multidisciplinary exchange of scientific ideas and encouragement of promising young investigators in the field. Building upon a 20-year track record of diversity, innovation and integration of young scientists and clinicians, we propose an evolution of the annual University of California (UC) Neurotrauma Symposium into the new Western Neurotrauma Symposium (WNTS). The Western Neurotrauma Symposium will be a unique regional conference providing an annual venue for a broad range of neurotraumatology research, with a focus on trainees and early career investigators, presentation of cutting-edge data in a safe environment, multidisciplinary collaborative ideas and a more intimate setting to allow direct interactions between attendees. This type of meeting will be instrumental in developing the next generation of investigators and ideas, without duplicating or replacing opportunities provided at existing National and International Neurotrauma Symposia. While the focus of the WNTS funding would be development of regional investigators and collaborators, attendance at the meeting would be open. The UCNT meeting has a history of fostering diversity and inclusivity and this would continue and be expanded in the WNTS, with specific outreach and travel awards to encourage active participation of underrepresented groups in neuroscience/neurotrauma research. The additional support provided by this grant would specifically permit inclusion of investigators outside of the UC, bringing in research and clinical trainees and faculty from major programs in western states, for whom travel, expense and time constraints may limit opportunities for young persons to attend national or international conferences on an annual basis.