Abstract
The second bi-annual Basal Ganglia Gordon Research Conference (GRC) was held 28 February through 4 March 2016 in Ventura, California, USA. Two hundred attendees participated and 46 lectures and 127 posters were presented. The meeting also incorporated a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS), held between February 27–28, organized exclusively by and for graduate and post-doctoral researchers. The GRC and GRS attracted scientists from across the globe with 4 continents and 18 countries represented. Research was presented in oral and poster formats during themed sessions. Lecturers ranged from graduate and post-doctoral trainees to junior and more established principal investigators. Both basic and clinician scientists were also well represented. The latest basal ganglia research discoveries on both normal function and diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), addiction and compulsive disorders, were communicated. In addition, government, industry, and clinical leaders delivered an optional Translational Café that focused on therapy development. In summary, the 2016 Basal Ganglia GRC and GRS showcased state-of-the-art research, promoted discussion, and interaction throughout the research community, and most likely inspired the next wave of fundamental and translational scientific discoveries in this brain region.