Aline R. Bezerra Gurgel
University of Glasgow, UK

https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.108.21

1–5 August 2017, Riocentro,
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The IUPS 2017 World congress covered a four-day, first class programme of plenaries, keynote lectures, and 60 selected symposia with over 300 speakers. Held for the first time in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this event was an exceptional opportunity to meet experts, leaders in the field of Physiology, and take part in an important scientific exchange among researchers from several international institutions.

Opening the conference, which was also the Annual Meeting of The Physiological Society, and of the Scandinavian Physiological Society, the president of IUPS, Denis Noble, gave an illuminating talk entitled ‘Dance to the rhythms of life: physiology returns to centre stage’, focusing on the study of biological functions. Following, Ada Yonath, from Israel, splendidly spoke on resistance to antibiotics. The first day was then closed with the celebration of genuine Brazilian rhythms, considering the cultural diversity of that country: melodies from samba to local indigenous music. The Brazilian Society of Physiology was also present and celebrating its 60th anniversary.

As a Brazilian PhD student, I was delighted to experience this unique moment in my home country. Captivated by the ‘Rhythms of life’, the audience was involved in a pleasant atmosphere, in a venue that comprised beautiful pieces of local fauna and flora, several comfortable seminar rooms, and a nice structure to accommodate posters – from an extensive range of topics – and delegates.

Since I am working on exercise training in heart failure, the conference provided an ideal platform to discuss my recent findings,methods, and design of study. The event contributed to promoting my critical thinking and provided space for a constructive dialogue and collaboration on relevant topics of my research. Gender equality and representativeness of women in science were also debated in a two-day session, an occasion when we could compare realities of female scientists in different countries.

Subsequently, the final day was opened with a memorable lecture by David Eisner, who spoke on calcium dynamics in the heart. After the talk, Denis Noble awarded him with the annual prize review, a moment that the delegates joyfully acclaimed. A prestigious group of other speakers also brightened the conference, contributing to remarkable sessions.

After these very productive days in Brazil, I come back to my lab with innovative and creative ideas. I would like to thank The Physiological Society for kindly awarding me with a travel grant, helping to support this fantastic opportunity.