The 2nd Symposium on Invertebrate Neuroscience will focus on the most recent findings obtained in any field of invertebrate neuroscience, including adaptive mechanisms, circuits and behaviors, learning and memory, cognitive aging, evolution and development, neuromorphology, visual and chemical sensation, (neuro)genetics. In addition to the wide range of scientific insights, special emphasis will also be placed on cutting-edge technologies in invertebrate neuroscience. The symposium also aims at highlighting the potential of research on invertebrate model animals to address a large range of neurobiological questions, problems, and phenomena in general.
The symposium, including two memorial lectures, will be dedicated to two prominent late neuroscientists, Professor Paul R. Benjamin (1942-2024) and Professor Dimitry A. Sakharov (1930-2024).
Tuesday (2 September):
- 15:00-17:45: Registration/Information
- 18:00-23:00: Get-Together Party
Wednesday (3 September)
- 08:00-09:30: Breakfast
- 09:45-10:00: Opening of the Symposium
- 10:00-11:50: Oral presentations - Chair: Z. Pirger
| G. Kemenes | Paul Benjamin Memorial Lecture |
|---|---|
| K. Lukowiak | New approaches to configural learning |
| E. Ito | Identification and roles of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor in the pond snail L. stagnalis |
| Y. Hamanaka | Photoperiodic control of electrophysiological properties of caudo-dorsal cells (CDCs) and cdc hormone gene expression in the pond snail, L. stagnalis |
| J.M. Koene | Mating motivation and responses to seminal fluid receipt differ between european populations of the simultaneous hermaphrodite L. stagnalis |
- 12:00-13:30: Lunch
- 13:30-15:10: Oral presentations - Chair: I. Kemenes
| L.L. Moroz | Ctenophore neural systems: Independent origin(s) and constraints of the ancestral bodyplan |
|---|---|
| L.A. Yanez-Guerra | Reconstructing early nervous system evolution through functional characterisation of non- bilaterian receptors |
| I Fodor | Tracing the evolution of the neuroendocrine system behind animal reproduction: insights from mollusks |
| T. Watanabe | How are sex differences in insect brains and behaviors generated? - An evolutionary perspective on the mechanisms of sexual differentiation in the insect nervous system |
- 15:10-15:25: Coffee break
- 15:25-17:35: Oral presentations - Chair: E. Ito
| A. Fiala | Dissecting neuronal circuits and synaptic plasticity underlying higher-order and non-reinforced learning in Drosophila |
|---|---|
| F. Libersat | An opioid mechanism for nociceptive suppression in wasp-stung cockroaches |
| J. Xi | Photoperiodic reproductive suppression mediated by neuropeptide corazonin in the bean bug Riptortus pedestris |
| L. Holden-Dye | A circuit for dopamine-mediated appetite control in Caenorhabditis elegans |
| I. Kemenes | A dopaminergic circuit mechanism links past and future learning through shifts in perception |
- 17:35-17:55: Poster presentation
- 18:30-22:00: Conference dinner
Thursday (4 September)
- 08:00-09:00: Breakfast
- 09:15-09:55: Online presentation - Chair: J. Xi
| S. Matsubara | Neuropeptidergic regulation of ovarian follicular development and identification of novel ovarian peptides in Ciona robusta |
|---|---|
| T. Osugi | Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and the photoreception system in regulating gamete release in the basal chordate, Ciona robusta |
- 09:55-10:00: Short break
- 10:00-11:50: Oral presentations - Chair: K. Elekes
V.E. Dyakonova L.L. Moroz | Dmitriy Sakharov Memorial Lecture |
|---|---|
| E.E. Voronezhskaya | Tracing molluscan neurodevelopment: a journey through decades of Moscow–Tihany research collaboration |
| V.E. Dyakonova | Trade-offs in the beneficial effects of exercise at the behavioural, cellular and gene expression levels in L. stagnalis |
| A.I. Bogomolov | Early events during gastropod intestinal system formation: role of intracellular serotonin and modulation of signaling pathways |
| A.D. Sorminskiy | Intergenerational impact of intense locomotion: cellular and molecular correlates in L. stagnalis |
- 12:00-13:30: Lunch
- 13:30-15:10: Oral presentations - Chair: L. Holden-Dye
| D.L. Glanzman | Potential genomic changes induced during sensitization in Aplysia |
|---|---|
| L. Molnár | Pattern and ultrastructural characteristics of CAPA peptides expressing neurons in the central nervous system of the earthworm Eisenia andrei |
| G.L. Tóth | Same, same, but different: segment regeneration from new approaches |
| O. Taimanova | The way to simplification: unique and conserved features of molecular neurogenesis in the phoronid Phoronopsis harmeri |
- 15:10-15:25: Coffee break
- 15:25-17:15: Oral presentations - Chair: D.L. Glanzman
| M. Giurfa | Honey bee pheromones as cognitive agents |
|---|---|
| G. Fiorito | Frequency domain characterizing ‘eeg-like’ signature in Octopus vulgaris |
| D. Vorontsov | Octopamine affects the frequency tuning of the auditory neurons in Culex pipiens mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) |
| E.G. Ivashkin | Uncovering the developmental origins of the gastropods nervous system: an integrative analysis of neurogenesis in great pond snail L. stagnalis |
- 18:00-23:00: Farewell dinner
Friday (5 September)
- 08:00-09:00: Breakfast
- 09:30-10:10: Oral presentation - Chair: V.E. Dyakonova
| P. Katz | Transcriptomic and connectomic investigations into the structure and development of the nervous system of the nudibranch mollusc, Berghia stephanieae |
|---|
- 10:10-10:20: Short break
- 10:20-11:00: Online presentations - Chair: E.E. Voronezhskaya
V. Rivi C. Benatti | Modeling psychiatric-like symptoms in the pond snail L. stagnalis: from evolutionarily conserved behaviors to pharmacological studies |
|---|---|
| G. Ponte | Exploring the complex neural networks of octopus |
| A. Anagnostopoulou | The involvement of creb transcription factors and global protein expression in memory consolidation in L. stagnalis |
- 12:10-13:30: Lunch
- 13:30-14:15: Early career researchers' lectures - Chair: I. Fodor
| A Szántó | Assessment of the complex effects of chronic chemical UV-filter exposure in an aquatic invertebrate model |
|---|---|
| E.P. Matveicheva | Ghosts of segments past: loss and retention of segmental signaling pathways in archiannelid and gastropod |
| D. Dunai | A distinct neurosecretory cell group is in the cerebral ganglion (brain) of the earthworm Eisenia andrei |
| A.A.G. Carreón | From reefs to brains: corals to study evolution of neurotransmission |
- around 15:30: Optional program to Lavender Tihany - guided tour (https://lavendertihany.hu/en/exhibition/)
The conference book containing the detailed program and abstracts will be provided during the registration.
The meeting will be held on 2-5 September 2025, at the HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute (HUN-REN BLRI), Tihany, Hungary.
The Institute, located directly on the shore of Lake Balaton, the largest shallow lake in Central Europe, has been the traditional site of the earlier invertebrate neurobiology symposia held since 1967. The conference will offer, as ever before, a variety of scientific sessions, networking opportunities, enjoyable moments, and an exceptional private atmosphere for neuroscientists to meet and discuss recent developments of the research field.
During the symposium, the institute’s private beach provides an ideal surrounding for relaxation, swimming, and networking.
The accommodation at the Institute's guest house will be available for the participants:
Guest house of the institute (3. Klebelsberg K. str., Tihany, 8237), https://www.blki.hun-ren.hu/en/node/8610
Contact person: Mrs Erika PETHO; email: vendeghaz [at] blki.hu (vendeghaz[at]blki[dot]hu)
Prices:
For BSc/MSc/PhD students the student hostel (double rooms, with shared bathroom) of the institute will also be available with reduced prices: 15 EUR (18 USD)/room/nigh
Deadline for Registration:
Early Bird Registration for the Event - 15 May 2025.
Regular Registration for the Event - 30 June 2025.
Deadline for Abstract Submission:
Abstract submission - 30 June 2025.
For Abstract Submission registration is required.
| Early bird: | Regular: | |
| scientists | 450 EUR (~485 USD) | 550 EUR (~595 USD) |
| PhD students | 350 EUR (~380 USD) | 450 EUR (~485 USD) |
| undergraduate and MSc students | 300 EUR (~325 USD) | 380 EUR (~405 USD) |
| online participation | 200 EUR (~220 USD) | 250 EUR (~270 USD) |
| accompanying person | 200 EUR (~220 USD) | 250 EUR (~270 USD) |
The fees also include the catering, refreshments, and abstract submission. Accommodation has to be paid separately.
Please pay the registration fee by 15 June 2025 latest by bank transfer in Euros to the following account:
| Beneficiary | HUN-REN BLRI |
| Beneficiary's bank | MÁK |
| Account number | HU02 1004 8005 0036 2801 0000 0000 |
| BIC (SWIFT) code | HUSTHUHB |
| Notice for transfer | SIN2-YOUR NAME |
Or, if you wish, you can also pay the registration fee (in Euros) by bank card (Visa or Master Debit or Credit card) by one of the given deadline. Within a few days of receiving your registration, you will receive a proforma invoice via email from NEXUS Conference Kft made out to the name and billing address you've provided at registration. Using this email, you can pay the registration fees (based on attached proforma invoice) with credit card (e.g., Visa, Master, etc.) by clicking the „TO PAYMENT" button. The proforma invoice does not constitute an invoice, you will receive your invoice after the order has been fulfilled.
The Scientific Organizing Committee of SIN is pleased to announce that six Early Career Researchers have been awarded participation support. Congratulations on the successful applications!
During the breaks between the scientific sessions. Coffee, water, soft drinks, Cheese & curd scone (Hungarian style), vanilla crescent, linzer cookie, mini gerbeaud (layered walnut & jam cake) will be provided to all participants of the meeting in front of the lecture hall or in the exhibition hall.
The registration fee of the congress does not include any accident, illness, luggage and /or liability insurance. The organizers do not take any responsibility for injury and/or damage involving persons and/or property occurring during the symposium.
Participants are advised to take care of their own health and travel insurance.