This meeting explores the function of neural circuits, defined as the mechanisms by which assemblies of neurons generate perception, neural states and behavior. Neuroscience has historically focused on understanding the nervous system one neuron at a time. Yet, most nervous systems are composed of enormous numbers of neurons and connections. The general rules by which these complex circuits operate are practically unknown. In analogy to the Crick-Watson model of DNA, or the Hodgkin- Huxley model of the action potential, there could be a relatively simple solution to a large variety of computational problems that the nervous system solves. This "circuit problem" remains a major challenge and is the primary focus of our Gordon conference.

Eight sessions will examine the multidisciplinary analysis of different neural circuits, including their developmental, cerebellar, spinal, limbic, auditory, taste/olfactory, striatal, somatosensory, visual and cognitive manifestations. Molecular genetic techniques have created powerful paradigms in species such as c. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish and mice, which may provide insight into higher order function in birds, primates and humans alike. The strength of our meeting lies in its comparative aspect, since it is likely that evolution has conserved similar strategies for processing information and generating mental states and behavior.

A common thread is the study of the computational strategies used by these different circuits. Moreover, the role of plasticity will be addressed in all of these systems, since the operation of neural circuits cannot be understood without their modification on different time scales. The last few years have also seen major progress in the cellular and molecular manipulation of the nervous system. Special Hot Topics sessions will emphasize optical probing of neural circuit dynamics and epigenetic modifications by experience.

Modern Neuroscience encompasses research at tremendous breadth of scale, from the function of channels, to psychophysical or ethological analysis of behavior. While there are conferences that cover each of these levels, a “black box" approach from molecules to behavior often ignores the essential workings of the circuit, which may conceivably be the key level where the function of the nervous system is actually organized. Our meeting deliberately spans many levels and systems, focusing on the analysis of circuits.

An exciting aspect is the highly international nature of this endeavor to foster cross-fertilization between the represented fields, as indicated by our list of speakers. In the spirit of the Gordon Research conferences, the meeting will be highly interactive. Concise cutting-edge presentations will be followed by intense discussion both during the sessions and ensuing free time. All speakers are encouraged to stay for several days, so that participants may have plenty of opportunity for interaction. Besides scheduled talks, exceptional short talks may be selected from amongst the abstracts submitted by participants.