Function, Dysfunction and Restoration of the Auditory System

The 2018 Auditory Systems Gordon Research Conference (GRC) program will emphasize the Function, Dysfunction and Restoration of the auditory system. Fundamental mechanisms of auditory function, the etiology and pathology of inherited and acquired auditory dysfunction and innovative new approaches to restore auditory function will be highlighted. Investigators will present new results spanning peripheral to central auditory systems research including genetic and developmental regulation of inner ear epithelia, hair bundles and hair cell transduction, synaptic transmission, noise-induced trauma at cochlear and systems levels, neural coding of sound location and speech, central auditory physiology and circuitry, and human auditory perception and behavior. Different model systems and technologies will be featured throughout the sessions, so that each session will have something for everyone – encouraging high attendance throughout the meeting and cross-fertilization across disciplines. The clinical importance of auditory research will be highlighted with presentations that consider the mechanisms underlying human disorders and translational efforts to restore auditory function. Gordon Research Conferences provide a setting for the discussion of novel research in a relaxed environment with 100-150 outstanding scientists at all stages post-undergraduate.

The Auditory System GRC is preceded by a smaller, two day (July 7-8) Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) designed for students and post-docs engaged in auditory research. GRS attendees are encouraged to attend the subsequent GRC. Talks will be selected from submitted abstracts and anchored by a keynote address by an invited mentor-participant. There is ample time for discussion - following each talk, or while hiking in the afternoon, or during poster-and-refreshment sessions each evening.