Please circulate copies of this invitation to others who may have an interest in the topic

XXIV C.I.C.A.
International Colloquium on the Brain and Aggression

Querétaro, México
6-8 September, 2007

It is my pleasure, together with the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, to invite you to participate in the upcoming CICA, to be held in the City of Querétaro, Mexico, from September 6 to 8th, 2007.

The International Colloquia on The Brain and Aggression (CICA) have been characterized by a continuing interdisciplinary discussions regarding current factors that affect violent and aggressive behavior. One of the main contributions of CICA is the Seville Statement on Violence. The work for its elaboration started in Mexico City in 1982, on occasion of the ISRA world Conference held there. It was signed by 15 international scientists in 1986 and adopted by the UNESCO General Conference in 1989. This document proposed that is scientifically incorrect consider violence and war as biological human feature. In consideration to the actual international situations on violence, the central topic to be discussed refers to the bioethic approach involved in the Seville Statement on Violence.

Colloquium Venue
Well known world wide as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Querétaro, has traditionally been a crossroads and meeting place during important events in Mexico’s history. Charming cobblestoned streets attest to its long history, just as its important academic insitutions direct its focus towards the future. Here you will be welcomed by typical huapango music, famous Mexican cuisine, exquisite colonial architecture and friendly people; everything to make you feel comfortable and welcome: from vibrant night life, captivating musesums and cultural activities, to romantic streets perfect for placid strolls.

Academic events will be conducted in the Academic and Cultural Center of the Neurobiological Institute, UNAM, Campus Juriquilla; which derives from the Mexican School of Investigation on Integrative Neurobiology, dating back to 1940. The oldest University in Mexico, UNAM’s tradition of academic excellence was established more than 450 years ago in 1551, and continues today as it commits to the study of the structure and function of the brain.

Topic of discussion
Important topics relating to the contribution of the sciences towards the resolution of social violence will be deliberated. The central theme of the Coloquium will be the alternatives available towards the resolution of violent and aggressive behavior, related ethical discussions, and the application of human rights concerned to the Seville Statement on Violence.

The three-day Colloquium will tentatively feature the following six round table discussions:
1. Biological bases of aggression: Presentation of current scientific evidence regarding the evolutionary, physiological and neuronal mechanisms that regulate aggressive behavior.
2. Difference between aggression and violence. Discussions regarding the concepts, behavioral manifestations, cognitive processes and methodologies that distinguish between aggression and violent behavior.
3. Antisocial and prosocial behavior. Presentation of evidence regarding the biological and social causes of antisocial, normal and pathological behavior, as well as behaviors and systems that facilitate social cohesion.
4. Social violence. Presentation and discussion regarding the dynamic social factors that favor and evidence violent behavior.
5. Human rights. Presentation of topics regarding the inclusion of human rights in the study of aggression and violence.
6. Alternatives to violence. Integrative proposals for the formation of mechanisms and systems that favor a nonviolent interaction in human societies.

Round Table discussions
Using the submission and registration form (below), proposals and an abstract should be sent via Email to rmercadillo_cica@hotmail.com as an attachment, in .doc format, using Times New Roman, Font size 12. Please include the title of the paper, complete name of the author(s), the affiliated institution, telephone and fax numbers, and Email address. The deadline for reception of proposals is March 15, 2006.

Proposals will be evaluated by a scientific committee, and acceptance to participate in the Colloquium will be notified via e-mail. Authors whose proposals are accepted will be exempted from registration fees, hotel accommodations, meals and transport between México City and Querétaro.

Authors shall prepare a written version of their participation, which will be published in the Memoirs of the XXV CICA. This document shall not exceed 25 pages, and should state the central problem of the specified theme, current status, evidence that supports the proposal and an explanation of the same and a brief summary regarding the implications that the proposal will have on the propositions of the Seville Statement on Violence, signed in 1986 during the IV CICA and adopted by the UNESCO in 1989. The final version of the completed paper shall be formatted in Times New Roman, font size 12, and sent by email as an attachment to rmercadillo_cica@hotmail.com no later than June 15, 2006.

Posters
Using the submission and registrarion form (below), all abstracts should be sent via email to rmercadillo_cica@hotmail.com. The abstract shall be sent as an attachment, in .doc format, in Times New Roman, font size 12, no later than March 15, 2006. Accepted posters shall be printed in a 90 x 120 cms. format. Abstracts shall be published in the Memoirs of the XXV CICA.

Registration

Fees
Registrations fees are: 170 US Dollars. They include attendance to all academic sessions, certificate of attendance and participation and copies of the printed memoirs.

Pre-registration fees (before April 30, 2007) will have a discount of US$ 50. registration fee for the event will be 120 US Dollars,

For specific information regarding the bank data, please contact rmercadillo_cica@hotmail.com.

Grants
Grants for the amount of the registration fee for students who wish to apply for economic assistance to attend or participate in the event, are available. Please contact rmercadillo_cica@hotmail.com.
Travel
Hotel Accomodations
The Hotel Misión Juriquilla, whose architecture captures the essence of Mexican haciendas characteristic of the 19h Century, has been designated as the official hotel for the CICA guests. Information about costs can be requested from Roberto Mercadillo at rmercadillo_cica@hotmail.com.

International Flights
Officially named Santiago de Queretaro, the capital of the State of Queretaro, is located 220 km to the north of Mexico City by the federal highway 57D. Many major cities have flights to the Mexico City International airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez de la Ciudad de México). From there, a comfortable bus leaves every hour for Querétaro. The bus costs approximately 18 US Dollars and arrives in about 2 hours.
If you are arriving from the US, direct flights to the Queretaro (City) International Airport are available.

Transportation within the City of Querétaro
For transportation to the hotel, tickets for safe, reliable, taxis can be purchased at the local airport and the bus station in special booths for about 10 US Dollars. Special transport from the local bus station (Terminal de Autobuses de Querétaro) to the hotel will be available as well. Specific information can be obtained by request, once arrival times have been confirmed.

Visas
Information will be made available upon request, please contact rmercadillo_cica@hotmail.com.

Deadlines
March 15, 2007 Proposals for participation in Round Table Discussions and Posters should be received no later than this date.

April 30, 2007 Pre-Registration: 120 US Dollars. Registration after this date will cost 170 USD.

June 15, 2007 Written versions of participations in round table discussions and/or posters.

Enquiries
Please contact Roberto Mercadillo regarding any doubts or questions regarding the organization and participation in the Colloquium

Roberto Emmanuel Mercadillo
Instituto de Neurobiología
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Tel. (52 55) 5623 4053
Fax. (52 55) 5623 4017
rmercadillo_cica@hotmail.com