IBANGS Annual Meeting 2023: Genes, Brain, and Behavior May 22-25, 2023 at the University of Galway
The International Behavioral and Neural Genetics Society (IBANGS) annual meeting was hosted by one of our collaborative researchers, Dr Derek Morris, Senior Lecturer of Biomedical Science at the University of Galway. The conference is wrapping up this week after four days of celebrating current research in the field of neural behavioral genetics.
To address the most recent scientific discoveries in neuropsychiatric genetics, two enthusiastic members of the Family Genomics Research Group, Dr Laura Fahey and Dr Lorna Lopez brought together a diverse group of chronobiology and genetics researchers from across the globe to uncover genetic links in common sleep problems experienced by people with neuropsychiatric conditions.
From left to right: Shane Crinion, Marcelo Francia, Dr Laura Fahey, Dr Amy Ferguson, Dr Lorna Lopez. Not pictured: Dr Marina Carpena
Dr Marina Carpena, from the Federal University of Pelotas, joined the conference virtually from Brazil to present her compelling research in the Genomic Correlation And Causal Association Between Sleep And Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Dr Amy Ferguson, University of Edinburgh, shared her research in the Association Between Pathogenic Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) Within Core Circadian Genes and Mood Disorder Phenotypes in the UK Biobank Cohort. Amy also shone a spotlight on the Circadian Mental Health Network where she is the network scientific coordinator of the incredible initiative driving collaborative research at the intersection of mental health and circadian science.
PhD candidate Marcelo Francia, travelled from the University of California, Los Angeles, to present his fascinating work on Fibroblasts as an in vitro model of circadian genetic and genomic studies.
Our very own Dr Lorna Lopez, associate professor at Maynooth University, rounded off the session with a showstopping presentation on the group’s most recent results in Genomic approaches to investigate the relationship between circadian mechanisms and the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions.
Along with our post-doctoral researcher Dr Laura Fahey who expertly lead the symposium and injected inquisitive questions throughout to keep everyone on track and engaged.
Earlier that morning another captivating presentation to represent the Family Genomics Research Group came from PhD candidate Shane Crinion, University of Galway. He amazed all with his research in Mendelian randomisation identifies gene expression alterations associated with chronotype and neuropsychiatric disorders.
It was thrilling to have the Family Genomics Research Group so well-represented at the 23rd annual Genes, Brain, and Behavior Meeting. The success of their various contributions to the conference is a testament to each member's dedication and hard work and the entire group is incredibly proud of their efforts.
Click here to view a full description of the programme of events.