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 the 2nd conference is being planned for April 2013. This application is for renewal of R13 NS074860-01, the award we received for the 2011 conference, to obtain partial support for the 2013 ACL&M. The neurobiology of learning and memory is multidisciplinary, with relevant areas of research including molecular biology, genetics, neurophysiology, behavior, biophysics, and computer science. In addition, it is approached from varying levels of analysis including molecular, cellular, systems, and cognitive, 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 14 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 thus 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.
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.
