Despite the significant efforts of numerous teams worldwide, nervous system diseases rank among those with the least effective therapeutic interventions. The advancement in understanding neuropathologies and methods to address them is considerably less pronounced compared to areas like cancer or cardiovascular diseases. What accounts for this disparity? Is it the intricacy of nervous tissue? Or perhaps our limited comprehension of its biochemical or signaling mechanisms? Could it be due to adherence to widely accepted yet poorly substantiated dogmas? During a symposium focused on translational and clinical neurosciences, we aim not only to highlight the current state of these fields but also to explore these questions to better grasp the future directions of neuromedicine.

Chairmen: Prof. Vsevolod Belousov, Prof. Pavel Musienko

The "Systems and Cognitive Neuroscience" section will serve as a global forum for the sharing of scientific, educational, and technical insights and accomplishments among experts, particularly emerging researchers, in the area of system and cognitive neuroscience. This section encompasses a wide range of topics, including investigations into the structure of brain systems, information processing, storage and retrieval, as well as the brain mechanisms that drive attention, memory, spatial cognition, executive functions, and social behavior.

Chairmen: Prof. Alexander Hramov, Prof. Maxim Kireev

The "Neuroplasticity, Learning and Memory" section will gather prominent scientists and emerging researchers who are exploring the mechanisms of plasticity associated with higher brain functions. The symposia will focus on presenting new findings related to the molecular and cellular mechanisms of plasticity and memory, as well as discussing innovative approaches, accomplishments, and challenges in the field.

Chairmen: Prof. Pavel Palaban, Prof. Konstantin Anokhin

In this section, we define neurophotonics and optogenetics in the broadest sense, referring to methods that utilize optical and genetically encoded tools to record and stimulate brain activity. It is crucial for us to share information about the current state of this field and the variety of approaches being employed in Russia, as this will foster greater opportunities for technology exchange among different laboratories. Topics of discussion will encompass classical optogenetics, which involves manipulating the activity of neuronal and glial cells using light, the development of new genetically encoded indicators for cellular activity, and various techniques for optical recording of brain activity such as two-photon microscopy, miniscopes, and fiber photometry. Additionally, we will explore chemogenetics, thermogenetics, and the application of optogenetic prosthetics and other optical technologies.

Chairmen: Prof. Maxim Firsov, Prof. Alexey Malyshev

A key strategic question in both fundamental and applied research is the role of living neural networks in synthetic information processing. This involves using living systems to teach artificial networks and vice versa, where artificial networks replicate certain brain functions. Research on this hybrid approach, focusing on bi-directional interactions between synthetic and biological systems, aims for mutual benefits and could lead to breakthroughs in neurohybrid technologies like neuroimplants and neuroprosthetics, as well as new AI systems that incorporate living cells for computing.
This section seeks to foster discussions on the "authentic hybrid" challenge, encompassing neurotechnologies and neuroelectronics. Neurotechnologies include cellular mechanisms of brain function, neural adaptation, biocompatible materials, and recording systems, while neuroelectronics focuses on new materials for neural functions, memory devices, and energy-efficient brain-like computing systems. We invite contributions that explore the integration of electronic and neuronal systems and the topics mentioned.

Chairmen: Dr. Alexey Mikhaylov, Prof. Susanna Gordleeva

The section titled "Neurodynamics, Computational Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence" focuses on the development, simulation, and analysis of multi-scale mathematical models aimed at exploring brain function. It encompasses the study of neural oscillations and various dynamic modes of communication among neurons, neuronal ensembles, and systems, all in relation to the advancement of theories and applications in artificial intelligence. The topics covered in this section include dynamical systems within neuroscience, modeling of single neurons, synchronization of neuronal ensembles, and synaptic plasticity. It also addresses spiking neural networks, as well as aspects of memory, cognition, and learning in computational neuroscience. Furthermore, it examines applications of neurocomputing, techniques for brain signal analysis, the role of artificial neural networks, and the use of machine learning in neuroscience. Additionally, it explores multi-scale analysis, intelligent robotics, and AI-based data processing methods.

Chairmen: Prof. Victor Kazantsev, Dr. Alexei Ossadtchi