The GNC host Genes, Brain and Behavior 2023 meeting at University of Galway

The Galway Neuroscience Centre (GNC) in collaboration with the International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society (IBANGS) hosted the Genes, Brain and Behavior 2023 conference in the Human Biology Building in University of Galway between 22-25 May. The conference was attended by 130 delegates, including 100 from overseas, who presented research on the genetic basis of a wide range of behaviours and brain disorders together with the underlying neuronal mechanisms using diverse species. The goal of this field is to understand the molecular pathways through which genes together with the environment affect behaviour. Prof Eilís Dowd from University of Galway delivered the Keynote Address on “Cellular Brain Repair for Parkinson’s Disease” followed by a screening of "Feats of Modest Valour" and a panel discussion on Parkinson’s disease and Science on Screen. The Presidential Speaker was Dr Jamaji Nwanaji-Enwerem from University of Emory on “Environments and Human Heath”.

Dr Derek Morris (Chair of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC)) delivered an Educational Workshop on “Functional Interpretation of GWAS data”. Two symposia at the conference were led by GNC researchers and members of the LOC; “Genes, Circuits, and Environment in Chronic Pain” chaired by Dr Michelle Roche from the Centre for Pain Research and “The Role of Inflammation in Psychosis” chaired by Dr Declan McKernan from the Centre for Neuroimaging, Cognition and Genomics (NICOG). Multiple other postdoctoral and PhD researchers from the GNC at University of Galway delivered oral and poster presentations. Other members of the LOC included Prof Dara Cannon and Prof Gary Donohoe.