A key objective of IBRO-sponsored congresses is to advance neuroscience in regions that need assistance. This can be achieved by holding regional congresses and meetings and by facilitating the participation of scientists from less well-funded regions at congresses and meetings held in parts of the world with greater scientific strength and resources. To further facilitate this role, the congress/meeting venues should alternate from region to region.

Close collaboration of the congress organizers with IBRO's Secretary General, the World Congress & Regional Meetings Committee, the IBRO Regional Committees and other scientific societies and related organizations is encouraged. Such links should help ensure that these gatherings achieve their science-fostering goals, add valuable resources and reduce risk.

Those making decisions on the dates and location of IBRO-sponsored congresses and meetings should take into consideration the need to avoid conflicts with other international or regional neuroscience meetings.

A) IBRO World Congresses

Every four years the Secretary-General of IBRO, in consultation with the World Congress & Regional Meetings Committee, shall invite the members of the Governing Council to present proposals for the site of the next IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience (see IBRO By-Laws, Article III). Proposals shall initially be assessed by the World Congress & Regional Meetings Committee. The proposals that best meet the IBRO requirements shall then be made available to all members of the Governing Council to select the site of the World Congress. Once several venues are proposed, the Governing Council shall first choose two sites, the final outcome being decided by an electronic vote involving the entire Governing Council. The IBRO Secretariat shall be responsible for the organization of the ballots.

The following two committees shall be established for the organization of the Congress:

•  The International Congress Program Committee
•  The Local Organizing Committee

Responsibilities:

The International Congress Program Committee shall be responsible for the scientific programme of the Congress.

The Local Organizing Committee shall be in charge of all practical matters concerning the Congress. The IBRO Affiliated Organization that is responsible for the Congress shall select the Local Organizing Committee.

The Local Organizing Committee shall be responsible for the appointment of the following officers:

•  Honorary President of the Congress
•  Chair of the Local Organizing Committee of the Congress
•  Treasurer of the Congress
•  Chairman of the International Programme Committee of the Congress

The Local Organizing Committee shall select the list of scientific themes of the Congress Programme to be proposed to the IBRO Governing Council for approval. The Local Organizing Committee shall also present to the IBRO Governing Council a slate of candidates for the election of members of the International Programme Committee of the Congress. 

The selection of these candidates shall involve broad consultation and be based on their expertise in the areas of neuroscience encompassed by the themes of the Congress. For each theme, two candidates will be proposed. In making up the slate of candidates, the Local Organizing Committee shall take into account the need for a balance in the gender and geographical representation of the candidates. The Governing Council of IBRO shall elect the members of the International Programme Committee of the Congress by a postal electronic ballot organized by the IBRO Secretariat.

The Member Organization organizing the Congress carries all financial responsibilities of the Congress. Within six months after the end of the Congress, the Treasurer of the Congress shall submit an audited financial report to IBRO. The use of any financial profit arising from the Congress shall be negotiated with IBRO.

Throughout the planning of the Congress, the Local Organizing Committee shall endeavour to work in close collaboration with IBRO's Secretary General and the Standing Committee on Congresses.

The Governing Council shall have the supreme authority in all essential matters pertaining to the organization of the IBRO Congresses. (Article III of the By-Laws).

Issues to be considered by the organizers of the IBRO Congresses:

a) Inclusion on the main scientific programme of one plenary session entitled The IBRO Presidential Symposium to be planned in conjunction with IBRO and taking place at or shortly after the opening of the Congress.

b) A convenient scheduling of three other special sessions on:

i) IBRO activities;

ii) Alumni (social and science);

iii) A subject of special interest such as "Women in World Neuroscience".

c) The organization of special scientific events and visits to laboratories in the host region for IBRO Alumni and young investigators participating at the Congress.

d) The availability of a reasonable number of low-cost registration fees and housing facilities for IBRO Alumni and investigators from economically disadvantaged regions of the world.

e) The gathering of information on issues that are relevant to IBRO's mission and activities (e.g. information on geographic and gender distribution, age, etc.)

B) Regional Congresses

IBRO may endorse Regional Congresses organized by the IBRO Regional Committees, Affiliated Organizations and other partner organizations. Regional Congresses must be financially self-sustaining and clearly serve the interest of neuroscience in the region. 

As a rule, IBRO's support will involve allowing the use of the name of the Organization (IBRO) and providing assistance in the advertising and organization of the meeting. Under special circumstances, it may also give partial financial support for travel and/or help fund other measures that facilitate the participation of colleagues from disadvantaged countries. 

As is the case for the World Congresses, the Society or Societies that organize the Regional Congress must assume all financial responsibilities for the Congress.

Regional Congresses shall take place at least at four-year intervals, alternating between or as part of an IBRO World Congresses held in the region. They must not conflict with the scheduling of other major meetings in or outside the region. While it is expected that Regional Congresses will adhere to the overall guidelines established for the IBRO World Congresses, these meetings may require special arrangements to meet regional conditions and needs. When Regional Congresses are celebrated together with an IBRO World Congress, the Local Organizing Committee will include members of the appropriate Regional Committee of IBRO.

All applications for IBRO Regional Congresses must be submitted to the Secretary General of IBRO by the appropriate Regional Committee for evaluation by the IBRO Standing Committee on Congresses and the Executive Committee. The IBRO Governing Council, acting on recommendations of the Executive Committee, will make the final decision on IBRO's endorsement of all IBRO Regional Congresses.

Past World Congresses