Brain imaging scientists from around the world will attend the 14th Annual Meeting of the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping (OHBM) from 15 - 19 June at the Melbourne Convention Centre.
Around 1,500 scientists who conduct research, using modern, functional brain mapping techniques will present their latest work to their peers from countries including USA, China, Korea, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
World leaders in neuroimaging will deliver lectures at the conference, including:
- Prof Michael Gazzaniga, Director of the SAGE Center for the Study of the Mind, University of California, Santa Barbara
- Dr Denis LeBihan, Director of NeuroSpin, CEA Saclay, France
- Prof Aina Puce, Professor of Radiology & Director of Neuroimaging, Center for Advanced Imaging, West Virginia University
- Prof David C. Van Essen, Edison Professor and Head of the Anatomy & Neurobiology Department, Washington University, St. Louis
Chair of the Local Organising Committee and head of the Howard Florey Institute's Neuroimaging group, A/Prof Gary Egan, said this was the first time the OHBM had held its annual conference in the Southern Hemisphere.
"This is the premier conference for scientists working with brain mapping technology, so we are honoured that Melbourne was chosen to host this meeting," A/Prof Egan said.
"Melbourne is home to some of the world's best neuroscientists, with leading research groups at the Howard Florey Institute, Brain Research Institute, Mental Health Research Institute, Brain Sciences Institute at Swinburne University and the Centre for Neuroscience at the University of Melbourne.
"Meetings such as this one are crucial so we can share ideas and build collaborations with colleagues from around Australia and the world.
"It's also a great opportunity to showcase Melbourne's talented brain mapping scientists and present their innovative research," he said.
OHBM was formally established in 1997 and its annual meeting is attended by researchers using brain mapping techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Electroencephalography (EEG) and optical imaging and neuroanatomical tools for assessing the functional organisation of the human brain.
The meeting focuses on neuroscience and applications of these imaging techniques to study sensory and motor systems, vision, attention, memory, and language in normal and pathological states. Theoretical and methodological issues are a central component as they enable and inform these neuroscience endeavours.
The meeting is being supported by a number of organisations including the Howard Florey Institute - Australia's largest brain research institute, and Siemens, GE Healthcare, Philips and Brain Innovation.