Prior to 2011, there was no regularly scheduled neuroscience meeting devoted to broad, multidisciplinary issues related to learning and memory and associated diseases of cognition. The University of Texas at Austin Center for Learning and Memory recognized the need for such a conference and initiated the Austin Conference on Learning and Memory (ACL&M) with the intent of creating a bi-yearly conference. The inaugural conference that occurred in April 2011 was a tremendous success and formed the foundation for what has become a bi-annual conference that draws a national audience and represents a major focal point for scientific discourse in the field of the neurobiology of learning and memory, and related diseases of development and cognition. This application is for renewal of 2 R13 NS074860-03A1, the award we received for the 2011, 2013, and 2015 conferences, to obtain partial support for the 2017 ACL&M. The neurobiology of learning and memory is multidisciplinary, with relevant areas of research including molecular biology, genetics, neurophysiology, behavior, biophysics, engineering, and computer science. In addition, it is approached from varying levels of analysis including molecular, cellular, systems, cognitive, and theory, using both animal models and humans. Because researchers who study learning and memory come from a wide range of diverse backgrounds, it is essential to promote opportunity for neuroscientists to gather, share results, and discuss new techniques and developments in the field. The Center for Learning and Memory at The University of Texas at Austin is a basic research center with 15 multidisciplinary faculty members whose research programs focus on the neurobiology of learning and memory. This focused research center is part of The University of Texas Institute for Neuroscience, which embodies over 70 neuroscientists representing many areas of brain research. The neuroscience climate at The University of Texas at Austin represents an ideal venue for hosting a recurring conference with broad appeal for multidisciplinary neuroscientists with the common goal of understanding human memory and associated diseases. The ACL&M bi-yearly conference series is now in its fourth installation and has grown to be a major focal point in the field for neuroscientists from diverse background to gather and exchange data, techniques and discoveries in the rapidly growing and critically important field of learning and memory.

Public Health Relevance

Hundreds of disorders affect the nervous system and those that affect cognition, learning and memory, in particular, erode the very essence of our humanity and place a tremendous social and economic burden on society. Basic neuroscience research into the mechanisms underlying learning and memory creates the foundation of knowledge necessary for progress towards new therapies and cures for these disorders. It is therefore essential to promote opportunities, such as the UT Austin Conference on Learning & Memory, for neuroscientists in the field to gather, share results, and discuss new techniques and developments in the field.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Conference (R13)
Project #
2R13NS074860-04
Application #
9261345
Study Section
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Initial Review Group (NSD)
Program Officer
Babcock, Debra J
Project Start
2011-03-01
Project End
2017-08-31
Budget Start
2016-09-01
Budget End
2017-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Austin
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
170230239
City
Austin
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78712