9th “Gagra Talks”, International Conference
on fundamental questions of Neuroscience
October 13-16, 2010
Tbilisi, Georgia

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is my great pleasure and honor to invite you to participate in the upcoming International Conference, 9th “Gagra Talks”, to be held in the beautiful and historic city of Tbilisi on October 13-16, 2010.

The “Gagra Talks” was initiated in 1948 by a renowned neurophysiologist, academician Ivane Beritashvili. The goal of the “Gagra Talks” was to cover critical questions of neurophysiology.  It was devoted to the advances in the research of the CNS activity and to the future research directions in the field. The forum used to involve worldwide known experts in neurophysiology from various European countries, from the US and from leading research Institutions of the Former Soviet Union. The reports presented on every symposium (including discussions) were published in special volumes. Seven volumes, which have been published up to date, still remain important handbooks for a wide community of neurophysiologists.

Under the leadership of Ivane Beritashvili, the “Gagra Talks” was organized once every 3-4 years, six times during his life and twice after his death. The name of the forum had been derived from the town Gagra, where the named conference was held. Since its establishment in 1948, the “Gagra Talks” became increasingly attractive for the neuroscientists all over the world, but due to the political events developed in Georgia in the 1990s, the forum stopped functioning.

January 10th of 2010 was the 125th anniversary of Ivane Beritashvili’s birth. To mark this date, Georgian neurophysiologists have decided to renew the “Gagra Talks”. One of the aims of this meeting is to bring together Georgian, European and American scientists and, to contribute to the scientific progress of independent country Georgia. Many distinguished speakers from all parts of the world will be invited to give a state of the art lectures on their recent achievements, both in basic and applied research.  There will also be an opportunity for Georgian young scientists to make their work known to a wider audience, through Poster Sessions, and to discuss their scientific interests with colleagues from different countries. In addition to the scientific events, there will be various social gatherings and special events.

The scientific forum will retain its former name “Gagra Talks”, but the place of meeting, for this time, will be Tbilisi, the Capital of Georgia. “Gagra Talks” will be held in Sheraton Metekhi Palace, with its excellent meeting facilities and a beautiful view on “Old Tbilisi”. A visit to Tbilisi will be a memorable experience for getting in touch with cultural heritage and remarkable history of our 5th century’s Capital. Schedule of social events includes a day of trip to Kakheti, historic Georgian region and homeland of Ivane Beritashvili, with its famous landscapes, beautiful churches and vineyards.

Georgian Ministry of Education and Science will fund all expenses, except travel, for the invited speakers.

We are looking forward to see you in Tbilisi.

Nargiz Nachkebia

PhD, Dr.Sci,
Head of Organizing Committee,
Director of I.Beritashvili Institute of Physiology,
Gotua str.14, Tbilisi, Georgia
E’mail: nachkebia@biphysiol.ge
Fax: +995 32 373 411