Through the
generous support of the M.R. Bauer Foundation, The Benjamin
and Mae Volen National Center for Complex Systems at Brandeis
University has enhanced its conference and colloquium
schedule. One of the most important duties of any academic
center is to disseminate emerging information and to create
a forum for the discussion of new ideas. These events
create opportunities for Center faculty to share their
work with the broader scientific community and to learn
about the latest techniques and research projects from
colleagues at other institutions.
The M.R. Bauer
Colloquium Series was designed to bring to campus leading
researchers in neuroscience, computer science, and cognitive
science to interact with Brandeis faculty, researchers,
and students. These scientists present their current projects,
report their latest findings, and discuss the challenging
issues that arise from their efforts. They are encouraged
to visit Volen Center laboratories and exchange ideas
about the work taking place there. Since funding for the
Bauer Series was initiated in December 1994, five distinguished
scientists have visited campus as part of this program.
Topics range from molecular research to behavioral studies.
In May, the
first Volen Center scientific retreat sponsored by the
Bauer Foundation took place. This annual event provides
Center faculty, researchers, and students with the opportunity
to discuss their efforts, make research presentations,
and learn more about their colleagues’ work. The
Volen Center was designed to bring scientists from various
disciplines together in order to promote interdepartmental
collaborations. The retreat presents an ideal occasion
for Center scientists to become better acquainted with
work in other disciplines and to discuss issues related
to their research that may benefit from the perspective
of their colleagues. This year’s retreat was titled
"The Center for Complex Systems: New Directions"
and featured talks from four recently hired junior faculty
members.
The M.R. Bauer
Colloquium Series and the Volen Center retreat foster
the exchange of ideas across traditional departmental
boundaries, bring accomplished scientists to campus to
share some of the most current research taking place in
the field, and promote the flow of information within
the scientific community. The publication of these proceedings
is a key component in the Volen Center’s effort to
encourage scientific interaction and the sharing of knowledge.
Irwin B.
Levitan
Nancy Lurie Marks Professor of Developmental Neuroscience
Director, Volen National Center for Complex Systems
