International Conference “Volga Neuroscience Meeting 2016” successfully concluded its work.

The conference was organized by Lobachevsky University. It was the first event in Russia of such scale dedicated to brain sciences.

Evgeny Chuprunov, Rector, Lobachevsky University

Our University is called National Research for a reason. We do real science here, combining rich Russian scientific tradition with the state-of-the-art developments of the global research. Neuroscience is one of the priorities of our development.

One of the organizing partners of the meeting was Opera Medica et Physiologica, a Journal published by UNN. This is the first physiology and biomedicine journal in Russia that accepts publications only in English targeting international audiences. The meeting gathered more than 200 top neuroscientists from all over the world: USA, Europe, Japan, India, etc.

Alexei Semyanov, Director, Neuroscience Research Institute, Lobachevsky University

“Here in UNN we have biologists, chemists, physicists. All these professionals can work on a single project; study a single thing – the brain. Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary fields of research that unites researchers of Lobachevsky University from different areas.

Volga Neuroscience Meeting was organized on board the MV Nizhny Novgorod cruising from St. Petersburg to Nizhny Novgorod. Such isolated environment fostered a closer interaction between participating researchers.

Shubha Tole, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai (India)

For a scientist like me, from India, which is quite far from the traditional hubs of neuroscience in Europe and the US, it is important to be a part of such hubs, where I can meet my colleagues in a quiet atmosphere, and discuss ideas, projects.

The conference program included plenary talks on the most advanced areas of brain science, while the sessions covered a wide range of topics from molecular neurobiology to mathematical modelling of processes in the brain.

Daniel Choquet, Research Director, Bordeaux University, France

The scientific program of the meeting is top level. The setting creates many opportunities to discuss science with other researchers, with students and postdocs.

The Meeting also featured a Neuroscience school for young scientists. The School provided students from all over the world with an opportunity to personally meet the leading scientists, ask them questions and get useful tips and recommendations on the development of their research projects.

Ekaterina Borisova, PhD Student, Lobachevsky University, Charite Medical University

The Neuroscience school is a wonderful opportunity to meet prominent international scientists, and also meet your peers, exchange experience, practice your presentation skills.

One of the key topics of the conference was the glial cells of the brain and their role in the development of serious neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

Michael Hausser, Head of Department, Wolfson Institute of Biomedical Research, University College London, Great Britain

A large percentage of world population suffers from various brain diseases. Many of such disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, for instance, cannot be cured. We don’t even understand how these diseases appear. That is why only using the instruments of fundamental neuroscience we can understand and study diseases that affect so many people across the world.

There is no scientific discipline today that can progress without interaction with other disciplines. Russian science is valued highly on the international arena for its outstanding achievements in Physics, Mathematics, and Computer science. Volga Neuroscience Meeting 2016 gathered not only top neurobiologists, but also physicists and mathematicians working in this interdisciplinary field.

Alexander Kaplan, Moscow State University

Engineering and computational education is very important for our research – for brain science. We are working closely with leading radiophysicists from Lobachevsky University and also invite neurophysiologists where necessary.

Over the past years, Russia has increased the support of advanced research projects, which helped promote reputation of the Russian science on the international market.

Dmitry Rusakov, University College London, GB

Russia has done a tremendous work over the past 10-15 years, made great investments, which spurred the development of science. If these trends continue, we can hope that the science will keep moving forward bringing Russian universities to the level they deserve – at least top 100.

Many participants of the conference had a chance to work with Russian scientists before, but for many this meeting became a great opportunity to learn more about the world-class research conducted in Russian universities.

Misha Tsodyks, Professor, Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel)

Historically, I know Russian science very well, but it seems that everything starts again now. And when you start something new, everything seems exciting. There is more room for the unexpected.

The route of the cruise included many historical and natural landmarks in some of the most picturesque places of Russia. This allowed participants from all over the world to not only productively discuss the latest advancements of neuroscience, but also learn more about Russian history, culture, architecture. The conference concluded on July 30 with a visit to the UNN Center of Neuroscience.