Abstract

The Gordon Research Seminar on Barriers of the CNS is a unique forum for graduate students, post-docs, and other scientists with comparable levels of experience and education to present and exchange unpublished, original data and cutting-edge ideas. The GRS is a platform for discussion and networking with peers and selected faculty in a collegial and informal atmosphere. This seminar will explore new and exciting translational research in the CNS barriers and related fields, as well as investigate novel technologies which enable such research. Topics in the seminar will focus on the components, structure, and homeostatic functions of the dynamic CNS barriers in the healthy CNS and examine the altered processes which occur with aging and pathology. Understanding how the barriers function, how the barriers change with age and disease, and how to overcome the barriers for drug delivery will improve our ability to translate medicines to the clinic. The GRS also provides opportunities for mentorship from junior and senior investigators. This is facilitated through a dedicated mentorship session and discussion during poster sessions and presentations, and will help prepare young scientists to participate in the Barriers of the CNS Gordon Research Conference (GRC). We encourage every young scientist who wants to attend the Barriers of the CNS Gordon Research Conference also to apply for the GRS.