Neuroinfections cause devastating diseases in children and adults worldwide, particularly in developing countries and tropical regions. The burden of disease is high as survivors may have neurological sequelae affecting motility, sensory organs and mental functions, or develop epilepsy, thus ending in precarious states for the rest of their lives. This in turn seriously impairs socio-economic progress in developing countries and tropical regions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to expand research in the field to further elucidate disease mechanisms, improve treatment and develop more efficient prevention strategies. In cerebral malaria, leprosy, human African trypanosomiasis and meningitis, neurotropic parasites and bacteria spread to the nervous system where they interact with neural cells and induce innate and adaptive immune responses. At least a dozen different viruses, whose geographical distribution has greatly changed in recent years due to the eruption of new animal reservoirs and/or vectors, induce fatal encephalitis or myelitis, but the arsenal of preventive and therapeutic strategies against these often deadly viruses remains considerably slim. The main objective of the International Association of NeuroInfection Studies (IANIS) or, in French, ‘Association Internationale pour l’étude des maladies NeuroInfectieuses’, is to foster research and training on the pathogenesis of infectious diseases affecting the nervous system and the new emerging treatment regimes to decrease their global burden on society.

Two events devoted to neuroinfection will be organized in 2010:

- The 23rd IBRO-UNESCO School of Neuroscience, La Reunion
(from November 27 to December 6, 2010). Sponsored students will attend the IBRO training program and the 2nd intenational conference IANIS.

Application submission Deadline for students: July 16, 2010 (Closed)

- The 2nd International Neuroinfection Meeting organised by IANIS, La Reunion
(from December 2 to December 6, 2010)

Abstract submission Deadline for IANIS meeting: November 15, 2010

Registration Deadline to IANIS : December 1st, 2010

We look forward to welcoming you in La Reunion.