Highlights from Review and Update in Neuroscience for Neurosurgeons Highlights -- RUNN 2001

Attendance at the most recent Review and Update in Neuroscience for Neurosurgeons (RUNN) course was the highest it has seen and once again, it received excellent feedback from attendees. The course was held at Woods Hole, Massachusetts at the renowned Marine Biological Institute on October 20-27, 2001. The objective is to provide information on the current state of basic science and clinical research in neuroscience. It also provides a forum for generating novel ideas for research that have stimulated career development for previous attendees.

Dr. Henry Schmidek initiated the RUNN course in the early 1980's, and the course has continued to grow under the leadership of past Directors Dr. Charles Hodge and Dr. Cordell Gross, and current Course Director Dr. Issam Awad. Course Co-Directors this year were Dr. Robert Dempsey, Dr. Allan Friedman, Dr. Charles Hodge, Dr. Bruce Anderson, and Dr. Edward Oldfield. The RUNN course is coordinated by Catherine Awad.

Invited speakers are at the forefront of their fields. The faculty is updated every year to ensure that scientists who recently made important investigative contributions are represented at the course. Topics discussed included synaptic plasticity, neural regeneration, apoptosis, gene therapy, stem cell research, signaling pathways, neuroprotection, and developmental neurobiology. Dr. C Freed presented his work on embryonic dopaminergic neuron transplantation for Parkinson's disease, which was recently published in New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. D Alkon gave an enlightening presentation on the mechanisms of memory and the potential therapeutic applications in dementia. Current research on angiogenesis and its practical applications were discussed by Dr. P D'Amore. The Special Lecturer this year was Dr M Hallett, who discussed the dynamic nature of synaptic plasticity. The Special Lecture is given by a distinguished scientist and has been a tradition of the RUNN course.

There are several sessions on career development, run by neurosurgeons who have been successful in balancing an academic career with a clinical practice. Informal sessions are encouraged during the course to stimulate discussions on developing research projects and obtaining grants. Late night munchies are provided in the conference hall where attendees can mingle with the faculty.

The RUNN course is an excellent opportunity for revisiting topics in neurobiology, with lectures from the premier researchers in the field. The course is held yearly in the fall at MBL. Further information on RUNN 2002 will be available at www.societyns.org/runn.