Driven by the vision and pioneering work of the late Dr. Larry Young, this upcoming workshop is designed as a tribute to his enduring influence in the field of neuropeptide research. The primary objective of the workshop is to present cutting-edge perspectives on oxytocin and vasopressin, exploring how these neuromodulators affect brain function, behavior, and cognition. We will discuss the brain mechanisms regulating their synthesis, release, and diverse behavioral impacts, providing insights into complex neural circuitry tied to reward, anxiety, attention, social perception, and bonding. Given the current debate on the precise neural pathways involved, understanding these mechanisms is crucial. Additionally, we will delve into methodological approaches, examining how administration routes may influence cognitive and behavioral outcomes. A further goal is to address how interactions between genetics, early experiences, and epigenetic factors shape social communication, especially within parent-infant dynamics. The program includes discussions on various animal models—ranging from fish to non-human primates—offering an evolutionary perspective and illuminating how species-specific social and ecological adaptations impact these neuropeptides’ functions. Finally, the workshop will foster scientific discussions on the clinical implications of oxytocin and vasopressin, particularly their potential in neurodevelopmental disorders and as pharmacotherapeutic interventions for psychopathologies, a topic that has sparked some debate over treatment efficacy. This interdisciplinary workshop will feature presentations tailored for an audience with varying levels of expertise, from graduate students to senior faculty across diverse fields
University Hospital Basel Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism (Switzerland)
Department of Psychology, Yale University (USA)
McMaster University (Canada)
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder (USA)
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, NYU (USA)
Department of Neurology, University of Arizona (USA)
Department of Neurology, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University (USA)
Central Institute of Mental Health, Department Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Mannheim (Germany)
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Minnesota (USA)
Azabu University (Japan)
Mass General Research Institute, Harvard University (USA)
Weill Institite for Neurosciences, UCSF (USA)
University of Queensland (Australia)
King’s College, London (UK)
School of Life Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University (China)