2023 Glial Biology: Functional Interactions Among Glia and Neurons Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

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ABSTRACT The Gordon Research Conference on Glial Biology entitled Glial networking: Cell biology, physiology and plasticity will host its 10th meeting in 2023 in Ventura, California. This conference brings together a diverse group of established investigators and young trainees from around the world and is widely considered the preeminent forum devoted to the topic of glial cells in health and disease. The overarching aim of this GRC is to discuss cutting edge research focused on glial cell development, functional interactions between glia and other cell types in the healthy nervous system, and the contributions of glial cells to disease and other disorders of the nervous system. The 2023 meeting will emphasize discussion of emerging studies on the cellular, physiological, and molecular interactions between glial subtypes, glia and neurons, and glia and non-neuronal cells (e.g. the immune system, vasculature, and other peripheral barriers). Through our recruitment of innovative speakers, this meeting will highlight state-of-the-art technologies that have the potential to greatly expand the ability to selectively visualize and manipulate distinct glial cell types, to gain greater insight into the diverse roles of glia in a variety of contexts. The meeting will host presentations from 45 Speakers in sessions led by 15 Discussion Leaders, representing both influential, established scientists and young investigators just beginning to embark on their independent research careers. 61% of the planned speakers are woman, and greater than 30% of the Speakers are young investigators within five years of establishing their own laboratories. 82% have already accepted (and did so within 48 hrs), highlighting the enthusiasm for this meeting. Of note, two established scientists will lead a timely and important discussion session (“Power Hour”) entitled Creating an inclusive lab environment: Preventing and addressing harassment and discrimination”. Participation by underrepresented minorities is being actively solicited and will be supported by available funds, and inclusion of investigators and trainees from all people groups, including underrepresented minorities and those with disabilities, will be a top priority. NIH support of this grant is critical to maximize trainee participation, as it funds not only the GRC, but also the trainee-led Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) on Glial Biology, which will host its 4th meeting just prior to the GRC. The GRS provides an opportunity for young scientists (graduate students and postdocs) in the field to share ideas, host a keynote speaker, and present their work in progress via platform or poster presentations to each other and the GRC chairs and keynote speaker. In both the GRC and GRS, designated sessions will focus on the development and function of glia in neural circuitry and metabolic support in both the healthy and diseased brain and the broader nervous system. The dissemination of cutting-edge research findings and extensive training opportunities for junior scientists enabled by this meeting are highly pertinent to the overall mission of the NIH and NINDS.