John Neumaier chaired the 2016 International Society for Serotonin Research, “Serotonin in Seattle,” from July 24-27 at the Edgewater Hotel. He was ably assisted by Goldie Pontrelli and Mary Pyper from the Department in organizing the logistics of the conference. More than 170 serotonin researchers from five continents convened and discussed cutting edge research that involved psychiatric, basic neuroscience, and peripheral nervous system research.

In addition to three named Special Lectures, there were 16 symposia sessions and numerous brief oral and poster presentations. The meeting also hosted 20 NIDA travel awardees who each gave a poster and oral presentation. The meeting was notable for the integration of basic and clinical science, and cutting-edge molecular neuroscience involving the anatomy, neurochemistry, and gene regulation in the serotonin system. Serotonin modulates the activity of many brain regions and functions and has become important in the development of new treatments for schizophrenia, Parkinson’s Disease, mood disorders, and Alzheimer’s Disease. New safety and efficacy data on the use of the recently released 5-HT2C agonist lorcaserin (Belviq) in addictions including tobacco cessation, opiate, and cocaine use disorders. The society also hosted social events featuring a professionally-led tasting of Washington wines and a cruise to Tillicum Village on Blake Island. The next ISSR conference is slated for Cork, Ireland in 2018.