Scripps Research Scientists Launch International Conference on Alcoholism and Stress

By Mika Ono

Scripps Research Institute investigators Marisa Roberto and George Koob are launching a new international conference, "Alcoholism and Stress: A Framework for Future Treatment Strategies," to be held in Volterra, Italy, Tuesday, May 6 to Thursday, May 8, 2008.

"This conference is the first international meeting of its kind," said Roberto. "Its primary purpose is to establish an international effort among both basic researchers and clinicians to develop preventive strategies and pharmacotherapeutic remedies."

Roberto notes that the growing health burdens of alcohol addiction and stress-related disorders affect the worldwide population, demanding novel treatment strategies and new advances in biomedical research.

The meeting will provide a platform for the world's preeminent scientists in alcoholism and stress research to present their latest findings through symposia, posters, discussions, and plenary lectures. Presentations will represent research in molecular and cellular biology, biobehavioral and clinical alcohol research, and epidemiology. An area of emphasis for the conference will be translational research for future treatment strategies.

"The response from all over the world has been wonderful, especially given the distance that most of the attendees have to travel," Roberto said. "Our symposia and poster presenters will be coming from 13 different countries. Planning this event has been an overwhelming process, but it has been exciting to see the broad international enthusiasm and diverse scientific interest that this meeting has generated." 

Support for the conference is being provided by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is covering travel expenses for many U.S. and Asian delegates; the Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra Spa, which has provided the venue for the conference; and La Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra, Universita' di Camerino. Additional sponsors include La Jolla Alcohol Research Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Eli Lilly & Co. Research Laboratories, the Rotary Club, Societa' Italiana Farmacologia, Societa' Italiana Alcologia, Comune di Volterra, and Societa' della Salute.

Roberto thanks the many sponsors, as well as Research Associate Maureen Cruz, who is helping to organize the event.

Registration for the conference is still open. For more information on the program of scientific activities, the historic venue, or picturesque Volterra (which happens to be Roberto's home town), see the conference web page at http://volterraconference.com or email info@volterraconference.com. Phone inquiries can also be directed to Mary Gichuhi in La Jolla, CA, at (858) 784-7412 or Carlo Cifani, in Camerino, Italy, at +39 0737 403316.

Send comments to: mikaono[at]scripps.edu

"It has been exciting to see the broad international enthusiasm and diverse scientific interest that this meeting has generated."

-Marisa Roberto