ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Join us in Magdeburg from 28 September to 2 October 2025 for the XV Learning and Memory Conference. This international meeting, held every five years since 1967, is a long-standing tradition. This event attracts the world's leading scientists, who come together to delve deeply into the mechanisms of learning and memory. The conference will bring together established scientists and young researchers, uniting both established and emerging talent in neuroscience.
The Learning and Memory Conference has a unique format with no parallel sessions, which allows participants to attend each session and fully focus on the knowledge presented. The lecture series will be enhanced by four keynote lectures from leading international scientists and ten symposia, each featuring a blend of national, international, and junior speakers. The conference will address a wide range of topics, from the subcortical networks involved in hippocampal memory processing to the neuromodulatory influences on emotional memory and innovative approaches in computational and theoretical neuroscience.
The preparatory workshop on 28 September is a must-attend event for young scientists. It is specifically designed to boost self-confidence and facilitate exchange among young researchers through engaging activities. A public evening event combining art and science offers a rare opportunity to experience cultural and scientific dialogue. Don't miss out!
| ↗ REGISTER NOW | ↗ DOWNLOAD PROGRAM |
In the 2025 edition of the Learning & Memory Conference, we are specifically trying to save resources and therefore also minimise paper documents as significantly as possible. We have therefore gone digital with our registration, advance communication, networking and information about the conference.
↗ GET TO KNOW OUR PLATFORM
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Prof. Dr. Anne Churchland
University of California
A world-renowned researcher in behavioural neuroscience, Churchland explores the neural mechanisms of learning and decision making, focusing on multisensory integration using advanced cutting-edge techniques and computational approaches to understand neural population activity. She is also an excellent role model and is well known for her advocacy for women in neuroscience.
Prof. Dr. Sheena Josselyn
University of Toronto
A pioneering researcher in our understanding of engrams, Josselyn research explores the neural basis of memory, specifically how the brain forms and stores memories. She has made critical contributions to the field of neuronal memory allocation and the study of cellular engrams in rodent models.
Prof. Dr. Bong-Kiun Kaang
Seoul National University
Kaang is a prominent leader in the field of molecular neuroscience, with a particular focus on how memory is stored in the brain at the molecular level. Starting with his early work with Nobel Laureate Eric Kandel, he made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of receptors, signalling molecules, and ion channels that play key roles in neuronal function and memory.
Dr. Nelson Spruston
Vice President & Executive Director, HHMI Janelia Research Campus
As a world-leading expert in memory research, Spruston’s work explores the role of the hippocampus in learning and memory, with an emphasis on the properties of a diverse collection of cell types and how they come together to form a circuit that mediates the learning and recall of episodic memories.
What to expect
→ Our keynote speakers are renowned experts in their fields.
→ We are proud to present a comprehensive scientific programm of diverse symposia: Take part in ten symposia featuring the latest and most cutting-edge topics across the neuroscience of learning and memory.
→ No sessions in parallel. So you don't miss anything and can plan ahead
→ You will have the chance to network with other professionals in your field. Connect with peers and established scientists in an atmosphere designed to foster in-depth networking and collaboration.
→ We are at the cutting edge of research. Discover the latest advancements in mechanisms that underlie learning and memory, and learn how they can be applied to address memory impairments.
REGISTER FOR THE XV LEARNING & MEMORY CONFERENCE RIGHT HERE AND NOW
You can register directly for the XV L&M Conference using the form below. We will guide you through all the steps.
During the registration process, you can
- register your poster including abstract
- register separately for all social events
If you would like to secure your place at the conference first, it is also possible to book social events later (depending on availability). Please use this tool again for this purpose.
↗ Short Talks for Early Career Researchers
Early career researchers can apply to give a 15-minute talk in one of the main conference symposia.
To be considered, submit a poster abstract (to 3000 characters excluding title and authors) by July 31 and agree to be contacted as part of your registration.
Selection will be based on scientific quality, novelty, and diversity (e.g. gender, country).
Selected speakers will be notified by mid-August.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025
Symposia
The ten symposia at the XV Learning and Memory Conference in Magdeburg will feature leading experts covering the most important topics related to learning and memory. These range from the role of subcortical networks in hippocampal memory processing to dendrite computation. The symposia offer unparalleled insights into cutting-edge research methods and results. They focus intensively on specific aspects of memory and learning research, and provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in in-depth discussions with peers.
The program is planned without parallel sessions, giving all participants the opportunity to attend all presentations and discussions and ensuring they don't miss any valuable content. This structure also provides numerous networking opportunities with researchers from all over the world.
Young Scientists Workshop
Are you an early career researcher looking to boost your skills for a successful career in science? Then don’t miss our Young Scientists Workshop on Sunday, September 28th!
Join us from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology in Magdeburg for a day packed with practical training in PhD survival skills,dedicated networking and career coaching, and guided lab tours.
It’s a great chance to connect, learn, and grow – and best of all, it’s free of charge!
Just make sure to tick “Add On: PhD-only workshop 28. September” during registration to secure your spot.
SOCIAL EVENTS 2025
Public lecture by Prof. Onur Güntürkün
To open our scientific conference on learning and memory, we cordially invite you to a public lecture by Professor Onur Güntürkün. We would like to open the conference together with the interested public and promote dialogue between science and society.
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Onur Güntürkün, one of the most renowned brain researchers in the German-speaking world, will present fascinating insights into the latest neuroscientific findings in an accessible way.
The event will take place on the medical campus of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg.
No registration is required – just come along!
Networking Event
After the first full day of the conference, we warmly invite you to join our Networking Event, starting at 7:30 p.m.
The event will take place in the winter garden right next to the main lecture hall – a relaxed and welcoming space to connect with fellow researchers and colleagues, share thoughts on the day’s exciting science, and enjoy a delicious buffet with food and drinks.
We’ll make sure that, while you're having a great time, there will be plenty of opportunities for spontaneous connections and initiating new collaborations. Don’t miss this chance to mingle, exchange ideas, and enjoy the evening together!
Participation is free of charge, but don’t forget to select the “Add-On: Networking Event” during the registration process.
Social Event – Elbe Boat Tour
You are warmly invited to join our Social Event on Tuesday evening, September 30th. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to explore the highlights of Magdeburg from a unique perspective – aboard a boat cruising along the River Elbe.
The tour will depart from Petriförder Pier, conveniently located near the city center. It can be easily reached from the conference venue by public transport (approx. 15 minutes by tram, followed by a 15-minute walk). We’ll provide detailed directions in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly and stress-free.
During the boat ride, you'll enjoy scenic views of the historic Monastery of Our Lady (Kloster Unser Lieben Frauen), Magdeburg Cathedral and the cathedral rock, Rotehorn City Park, the beautiful, green Elbe floodplains to the south of the city . After the cruise, the boat will return to its starting point at Petriförder.
Places are limited, so don’t wait! To join, simply tick the box “Add-On: Social Event (Boat Tour)” during registration. The cost for participation is €22.05.
Gala Dinner
The Gala Dinner will take place on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the restaurant “The Season”, located directly at the Herrenkrug Parkhotel, which is also the conference venue – making it a very convenient setting.
The restaurant offers a beautifully designed Art Nouveau interior, providing an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. Joining the dinner is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy excellent food in a relaxed setting, along with inspiring conversations among colleagues.
You can reserve your spot for the dinner at “The Season” during the registration process by selecting the “Add-On: Dinner” option. The cost is €59.40. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Have breakfast together!
You have the option of staying overnight at our conference venue, which will allow you to spend time with your colleagues outside of the conference programme. The Dorint Herrenkrug Parkhotel offers reduced rates for overnight stays to participants of the Learning & Memory Conference. Quote the code "Leibniz-Institut" when booking by email.
Other accommodation options and travel information can be found on our organisational information page.
