CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

The CNC Conference: Direct Recordings from the Human Brain
June 22 and 23, 2007

As a first step in organizing the multi-center approach, the CNC has organized a conference to be held at UCLA in June, sponsored by the Dana Foundation. This is the first conference to bring together researchers studying human brain function using neurosurgical opportunities for direct recordings from the human brain. The conference is structured as follows:
• A broad conception of the field will be outlined
• Data from human neuronal recordings in neurosurgical settings will be presented
• Interactive discussion will ensue on the big questions that can be significantly impacted by having direct access to human neuronal circuitry
From these discussions the CNC will develop proposals for projects that the three centers and their networks of collaborators will initiate under the sponsorship of the Dana Foundation.

Keynote Speakers: To maximize the impact of the conference, six keynote speakers have been invited from the some of the foremost laboratories in neuroscience to give an overall view of the field and to pinpoint questions that can be optimally addressed with human neurophysiology. These experts will also act on an Advisory Board for the Consortium, to help develop the projects that will be proposed.

Investigator Speakers: In addition, closed workshop sessions will feature researchers from the three laboratories and from their networks of collaborators at laboratories countrywide and worldwide. These speakers will briefly present their data so that an updated overview of what is known from human studies is established.

Discussion Forum: Discussion will be the main focus of the conference, so that researchers working on different brain functions, different technical approaches and various areas of the brain can pool their knowledge and ideas.

Goal: The desired outcome is a more focused appreciation of the optimal approaches to studying human cognition using neurosurgical opportunities for direct access to neuronal processing.

Please see Program Schedule for details.