The conference organized by the Centre for Physiology and Biochemical Research (CPBR) was held in Moscow at the Institute of Neurophysiology between 26-28 February 2003. It was supported by IBRO and CPBR. Altogether there were 147 registered delegates representing 14 countries, including Russia (106), Ukraine (15), Finland (5), USA, Poland, Kazakhstan (3), Canada, Germany, Azerbaijan (2), Israel, Armenia, France, Switzerland and Sweden (1). In addition, nearly 40 invited guests and students attended the meeting.
The Conference was opened by Welcoming addresses from Dr. A.V.Kalueff, Conference Chair, Prof. I.A.Shevelev, Institute Director and Prof. O.G.Syropiatov, President of the Russian Society for BioPsychiatry. Prof. S.B.Seredenin (Moscow) gave a plenary lecture “Biological basis for anxioselectivity” followed by an exciting Psychopharmacology symposium. Keynote lecture was given by Prof. A.P.Chuprikov (Kiev) who spoke on brain lateralization in psychiatry. Clinical and Experimental models symposia were held after the lecture. Day 1 program included traditional “antidepressant” social event (“Maritza” by Kalman) at the National Operetta theatre.
Starting Day 2 of the conference, Prof. M.M.Khananashvili (Moscow) focused on positive impact of informational stress. Plenary lecture by Prof. M.B.Shtark (Novosibirsk) outlined biofeedback issues and Internet use in online psychiatry and psychology. These lectures were followed by several stimulating multidisciplinary symposia (Emotions and behavior, Psychophysiology, Aggression and self-aggression, Neuropsychology of stress). Special symposium was organized by the Russian Society for Biological psychiatry to discuss biological basis of psychiatric therapy. Dr. N.N.Kudryavtseva (Novosibirsk) delivered plenary lecture on social despair models of anxiety and depression. After the scientific program, informal Conference Reception was held at the Russian Hunting Club where conference delegates could enjoy traditional Russian hunting cuisine.
Day 3 of the conference included plenary lecture on melatonin and sleep behavior by Dr. I.Zhdanova (Boston), and “Sleep and behavior” and “Stress neurophysiology and neurochemistry” symposia. Dr. N.V.Bobkova (Pushino) outlined the role of olfactory pathways in neurodegenerative disorders. Concluding the conference, 8th Multidisciplinary conference was announced to be held in May 2004 in St-Petersburg. Remarkable Chaikovskiy concert at the National Filarmony, the Conference’ traditional “anxiolytic” musical event, reinforced all the insights the delegates gained during the Conference.
There was a satellite (“Sauna”) symposium on Biological psychiatry held on the next day after the conference. It gathered 20 scientists from Russia, Poland, Germany, Ukraine and Canada, to discuss the role of olfaction in normal and pathological behavior. Keynote speech was delivered by Prof. S.A.Ostroumov and Dr. A.V.Kalueff (Moscow).
The policy of the Conference was to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue, promote international collaboration and encourage young scientists to attend the meeting. Overall, the audience consisted of psychiatrists (40%), neurobiologists (40%) and psychologists (20%). Anonymous questionnaire indicated high-creativity brain-storming atmosphere of the meeting and its multidisciplinary importance. 41% of the conference participants were young scientists under 35. 10 travel grants were awarded to young scientists under 35.
Allan V Kalueff, PhD
Conference Chair
Vice president of the Russian Society for Biopsychiatry
Moscow, Russia