Next-generation enteric neuroscience - fostering the future of the field

Anoohya N Muppirala1,2, Mitchell T Ringuet3,4, Alain J Benitez5,6

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. muppirala.anoohya@gene.com.

Insights

The Little Brain Big Brain meeting fosters early career researchers in enteric neuroscience and neurogastroenterology. Organized by young investigators, it highlights field progress and future directions.

Area of Science:

  • Enteric neuroscience
  • Neurogastroenterology
  • Gastrointestinal research

Background:

  • The Little Brain Big Brain meeting has convened for over 30 years.
  • It serves as a platform for early career researchers.
  • The meeting focuses on advancements in the gut-brain axis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a historical perspective on the Little Brain Big Brain meeting.
  • To showcase the research interests of past attendees and organizers.
  • To offer insights into the progress and future of enteric neuroscience and neurogastroenterology.

Main Methods:

  • This is a viewpoint article, not an experimental study.
  • It features discussions from past attendees and organizers.
  • Personal experiences and field observations are shared.

Main Results:

  • The meeting has been a vital networking and knowledge-sharing event for over three decades.
  • It has consistently supported the development of young researchers in the field.
  • The collective experience highlights significant progress and emerging trends in gut-brain research.

Conclusions:

  • The Little Brain Big Brain meeting remains a crucial event for advancing enteric neuroscience and neurogastroenterology.
  • Its unique, investigator-led format fosters innovation and collaboration.
  • The future of the field is bright, driven by the next generation of scientists.

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