TSRI Scientists Organize International Conference on Alcoholism and Stress Research

Associate Professor Marisa Roberto of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) is hosting the third international conference “Alcoholism and Stress: A Framework for Future Treatment Strategies” from May 6-9, 2014. Like the first and second conferences held in May 2008 and 2011, the meeting will be held in Volterra, Italy. 

“This conference is the only international meeting of its kind,” said Roberto, who grew up in Volterra. “Its primary purpose is to establish an international effort between both basic researchers and clinicians to develop preventive strategies and pharmacotherapeutic remedies for alcohol and anxiety-related disorders.”

The meeting will provide a platform for the world’s preeminent scientists in alcoholism and stress research to present their latest findings through plenary lectures, symposia, posters and roundtable discussions.

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. Participants from at least 15 different countries and diverse scientific interests will be represented at the conference, which will emphasize the implementation of translational research in the development of treatment strategies. 

In addition to attending the meeting and presenting their research, other members of the Roberto lab are also assisting in the planning and coordination of the meeting. “The conference is an opportunity for scientists at all levels to interact with the international alcohol and stress research community,” Roberto noted.

Support for the conference is provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is sponsoring a Young Investigator Award and covering travel expenses for many junior U.S. delegates; the Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra Spa, La Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Volterra, which has provided the venue for the conference; and the Universita’ di Camerino, which is handling conference registration. Additional sponsors include Lundbeck, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States - Society for the Study of Addiction, European Foundation for Alcohol Research and Comune di Volterra.

Registration is now open. For more information, including on the schedule of speakers, poster presentations and the historic venue, go to http://volterraconference.com Inquiries may be emailed to info@volterraconference.com or directed to Mary Gichuhi (858) 784-7412, Marisa Gallego (858) 784-7343 (La Jolla, CA) and Laura Soverchia +39 0737 403316 (Camerino, Italy).

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