2025 Excitatory Synapses and Brain Function Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar

Project Summary This proposal requests partial support for a longstanding, well-attended, and well-received Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Excitatory Synapses and Brain Function to be held at Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH, U.S.A.) from June 8 – 13, 2025. The GRC will be preceded by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), which is organized by and for trainees (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows) on June 7 – 8, 2025, at the same location. The 2025 GRC, subtitled "Multifaceted Interactions Between Molecular and Activity-Dependent Mechanisms," underscores new emerging themes in the field that emphasize the dynamic interplay between molecular signaling and neuronal activity in shaping excitatory synapses, which are crucial for the rapid transmission and long-term storage of information in the brain. This focus aims to shed light on how these interactions define the development, functionality, and plasticity of excitatory synapses by inviting speakers to exchange their cutting- edge findings anchored firmly in basic research and extend to investigations on neurological and psychiatric disorders. Dysfunctions of excitatory synapses can lead to severe consequences, contributing to myriads of disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, depression, drug addiction, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and epilepsy. Hence, scientific discussions at the GRC are expected to generate novel insights into understanding the basic mechanisms as well as the development of potential therapeutics and interventions to address neurological and psychiatric disorders. While decades of research in the field have established foundational knowledge about the structure and function of excitatory synapses, the recent advancements in tools and model systems have opened new frontiers providing opportunities for renewed discussions and collaborations. The 2025 GRC is organized to enhance the diversity of representations across gender, age, ethnicity, and geographical location. Such diverse representation in an inclusive and collegial environment is ripe for open discussions of divergent viewpoints that can lead to the synthesis of novel concepts. The organizers have planned various activities, such as GRC Power Hour and various mentoring/networking venues, to enable a collegial and respectful exchange of ideas and promote interactions that can lead to new collaborations across disciplinary boundaries.