Conference Mission Statement

Breathing for Life is a preeminent international conference now in its 16^th iteration since 1978, which aims to disseminate the latest research on the neural control of breathing as well as the influence of breathing neural activity on numerous brain functions. Breathing for Life embraces all forms of neuroscience research including molecular genetics, developmental biology, cellular neurophysiology, systems and behavioral neuroscience, mathematical modeling, data science, as well as the interdisciplinary intersection of such disciplines.

Breathing for Life aims to unite a diverse cadre of delegates to synthesize new knowledge and understanding while building a strong foundation among trainees. Furthermore, Breathing for Life aims to disseminate new knowledge regarding respiratory neurobiology to a larger community to convey a deeper understanding of – and practices that benefit – breathing and brain health and wellness in general.

Conference Scope

Breathing for Life is rooted in the tradition of the Oxford Conference on Modeling and the Neural Control of Breathing, which originated in l978 at Queen’s College at Oxford University in the UK. The first Oxford meeting was attended by 90 scientists from 10 countries. Since then the conference, generally held triennially, has become an established forum at the interface of neuroscience and respiratory physiology. It has been hosted in seven countries on four continents. The 16^th iteration of the Oxford Conference will be held in Williamsburg, Virginia, adjacent to William & Mary, America’s 2^nd oldest university, in the Colonial capital of the United States of America.