Saturday, September 7, 2024
9/7/2024
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is involved in all aspects of cognition and behavior and has established roles in all forms of mental illness and substance use disorders. The PFC has been studied intensely over the past four decades. Interest in studies of the PFC in animal models has grown at a pace equal to that of human studies on the PFC. There are very few meetings that focus on the PFC and bring together researchers using different animal models (non-human primates, rats, mice) and a variety of experimental approaches (e.g., lesions, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, molecular tools, computational models). A new Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on the Frontal Cortex was established in 2022 to provide a forum for researchers interested in the PFC and related cortical areas (e.g., OFC). This meeting was highly successful at developing a strong community of scientists interested in discussing topics across disciplines, models, and techniques. The next GRC will convene in Holderness, NH in August 2024. It is our hope that financial support can be obtained from the NIH to build upon our successes and support the meeting. Support from NIH will allow us to offset the attendance costs of our invited speakers and trainees, especially early career investigators and attendees from underrepresented groups. We propose the following Aims: (1) To convene a diverse scientist workforce around fundamental questions in research on the frontal cortex. The conference will feature panels on development, circuit function, therapeutics, affect, cognitive control, and more, in keeping with the goal of connecting diverse fields. (2) To unite a diverse scientist workforce around emerging technologies in frontal cortex research. Panels will discuss the use of powerful tools such as optogenetics/chemogenetics, calcium imaging, computational analyses, and more, and how they can be used to link studies in mice and rats to findings from studies in humans and non-human primates. (3) To promote the development of women scientists, early-career researchers, and under-represented investigators in frontal cortex research. In the service of this goal, we will support participation from trainees and members of underrepresented groups, including providing financial support for attendance, and we will host a networking and mentoring PowerHourTM focused on Imposter Phenomenon, Microaggressions and Stereotype Threat.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
