World’s Largest Meeting on Brain Science Highlights Innovative Discoveries and Their Implications for Health, Disease, and the Human Experience

Nearly 30,000 neuroscience researchers, clinicians, and advocates gathered November 15-19 in Washington, DC, for Neuroscience 2014, the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health. With more than 15,000 scientific presentations, 600 exhibitors, and numerous professional development workshops and networking functions, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) provides an extraordinary opportunity to share information and discuss the latest brain research findings.

This year’s diverse program featureed two public events:

• “Food for Thought: Tastes, Aromas, and Memories of Food” — Noted chef, restaurateur, and “Top Chef” contestant Bryan Voltaggio will discuss how he strives to create culinary treasures that not only satiate but entertain and transform how his guests think about food. A panel of scientists focused on taste and perception will join Voltaggio to discuss emerging understanding of how taste and sensation is experienced in the brain.
Saturday, November 15, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. EST

• “Implications for Science Funding in an Era of Global Brain Initiatives” — This Public Advocacy Forum will address how the U.S. BRAIN Initiative as well as other global neuroscience-focused programs in Europe, Asia, and many other regions may affect funding for the field as a whole and what that may mean for individual researchers.
Tuesday, November 18, 3–5 p.m. EST

“The field of neuroscience is making great strides to understand the brain, the most complex structure in the known universe,” SfN President Carol Mason said. “Neuroscience 2014 showcases how far we’ve come, helps chart the way to the next discoveries, and reinforces how important it is to continue exploring the brain’s extraordinary mysteries. The meeting brings to light the basic research that is fueling understanding of fundamental brain function, as well as new ways to prevent or treat diseases and disorders. Emerging science is also providing an extraordinary window into how the brain shapes all our daily experiences — and how it changes in response to those experiences.”

SfN also offered a robust press program showcasing findings on sleep, addiction, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, and more. Ten press conferences will be held from Sunday, November 16, through Tuesday, November 18.