International Society for NeuroVirology


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President's Message - 2019 ISNV Symposium

Bruce Brew AM, MBBS, DMedSci, DSc, FRACP, FAAN. - President

Greetings from Australia! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the ISNV community. I will start off by saying that I have been a member of ISNV since its inception in 1998 and have never missed a symposium. For those who may not be familiar, I am a physician scientist, Professor of Medicine (Neurology) at the University of New South Wales and University of Notre Dame, Director of the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit and the Neurosciences Program at St. Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research and neurologist at St. Vincent's Hospital Sydney. I graduated in Medicine from the University of Sydney (MBBS Hons) and hold two higher degree doctorates - Doctorate of Medical Sciences from the University of Sydney and a Doctorate of Science from the University of New South Wales.

I have a long-standing interest in HIV neuropathogenesis particularly in relation to cognitive impairment at both clinical and basic science levels, and HIV related neurological complications in general. I run a basic science laboratory and clinical trials unit. I serve on the editorial boards of several journals, including the Journal of Neurovirology, AIDS, Lancet HIV and other professional societies. In addition, I have been a reviewer for NIH as well as other national funding bodies in various countries.

As you are all aware, the 16th Symposium will occur this November in Atlanta, GA, USA. This year's symposium will showcase local leaders in the field, including updates from the CDC. At the same time this symposium will bring together top basic, translational, and clinical researchers from around the world to share their latest discoveries on viral-related neurological diseases.

I encourage everyone to attend, submit abstracts and participate.

I look forward to catching up with colleagues and meeting new friends!

Update - 2019 ISNV Symposia


Lynn Pulliam, Ph.D. - Co-chair, meetings committee
Brian Wigdahl, Ph.D. - Co-chair, meetings committee

We are pleased to report that the next gathering will take place at the Westin Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, from November 12 through 16. For those not familiar with this locale, the Buckhead area is 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, a lively district surrounded by an abundance of restaurants, shops and nearby attractions. The area is easily accessible from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson airport via MARTA public transportation system or a 14 mile taxi/Uber or Lyft ride directly to the hotel.

Walter Royal, III, M.D., chair of the local committee, and members Margo Brinton, Ph.D., James Sejvar, M.D, and Bill Tyor, M.D., along with the ISNV meeting committee have been working together on an exciting agenda which will feature participants from the Center for Disease Control and Emory Center for AIDS Research who will report on innovative research from their prominent groups.

In addition to showcasing the local talent, the meeting will continue to highlight some of the most exciting areas of research in Neurovirology including such hot topics as Aging with Chronic Viruses, Brain-Gut Connection, Therapeutic Targeting, and Biomarkers of neurodegeneration. As in previous years, the sessions will be comprised of invited plenary speakers and short talks from selected abstracts where cutting-edge research has been identified by the Abstract Review Committee.

As always, in recognition and support of our rising young scientists, we will extend a large number of travel awards to those who exhibit excellence in scientific research in various topics relative to the program.

From the opening reception through the abstract talks, poster session and informal gatherings with other leaders in the field, attendees will be immersed in an educational experience which can only be had at an ISNV conference! We encourage you all to be ambassadors of ISNV by enhancing the visibility of this exciting educational and research exchange opportunity to your students, trainees, and colleagues. The overall strength of the Society rests with an active membership across the United States and with our international colleagues located in many countries around the world.

Please check this website for detailed information on the call for abstracts, lodging, and registration.
We look forward to seeing everyone in November!