President's note

 Timothy Collier, Ph.D." ASNTR President 2007-2008

In the beginning, “the Creators”, Paul Sanberg and John Sladek had an idea: assemble the thought leaders in the emerging field of neural transplantation and other central nervous system repair strategies for two days of non-threatening, congenial brainstorming in the beautiful setting of the Florida gulf coast. Fifteen years later the annual ASNTR meeting remains my favorite professional destination of the year and tops my can’t-miss list in an overly scheduled life.  To its’ credit, ASNTR always has been committed to enriching the careers of students, trainees, and young investigators, seeding the next generation of research and clinical scientists. Each year fund raising for student travel awards is top priority for the society’s executive committee.  The meeting program highlights the work of young investigators, side-by-side with established leaders in the field, and is designed with no parallel scientific sessions, providing an audience for all to be heard. So, an invitation: if you want to be heard, and are willing to hear what others think, this is the meeting for you.  The meeting always has been a safe place to disagree, and appreciates that life should be savored with built-in time to enjoy the sand and water. We are entering an interesting time, with Neuroscience’s presence increasing in the landscapes of politics and law. The funding climate of the recent past often demands single-minded attention to professional survival.  That being said, I encourage each of you to not lose touch with the original reasons you do what you do:  the fascination with biological puzzles, the passion for helping those in desperate need, or whatever reason that motivates each of you. Get out in your communities, be generous with your time, resist excessive self-interest, educate, dispel misinformation, and inspire hope with appropriate caution. The American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair is dedicated to the development of novel biologic therapies for the treatment and repair of neurological disorders.  As common sense dictates, treatment of complex diseases and injuries to the nervous system requires multi-faceted approaches. To this end we invite the mingling of concepts derived from cell transplantation, gene transfer, genetics, neural development, aging, immunology, pharmacology, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, imaging, and any others that can be imagined.  It is the creative combination of these approaches that provides the best hope for those afflicted and that is the essence of the mission of ASNTR.  Join us in Clearwater!