Congress of the Spanish Society of Physiological Sciences (SECF), 18-21 September 2018, Cádiz, Spain

Congress of the Spanish Society of Physiological Sciences (SECF), 18-21 September 2018, Cádiz, Spains of the XXXIX Congress of the Spanish Society of Physiological Sciences (SECF), 18-21 September 2018, Cádiz, Spain Dear colleagues, At the last Congress, the Society entrusted to the Organizing Committee the honor to host the XXXIX Congress of the Spanish Society of Physiological Sciences (SECF) in the ancient city of Cadiz. More than half a century later, Cadiz will return to host this important Congress from 18 to 21 September 2018. We responsibly accept the task with the difficult objective of maintaining the high scientific standards reached in previous meetings and, to fulfil the SECF-Congress philosophy, that is, “to generate interest, stimulate research and disseminate knowledge of Physiology and its applications”. We hope that this meeting provides, not only, a framework in which we have the opportunity to learn about current research lines of our colleagues in the field of Physiology and Pathophysiology, but also an environment in which to wake up the interest of the newly graduates in research. Studies originated from Spanish and worldwide laboratories have been carefully selected by the international Scientific Committee to assure scientific excellence of the event. These studies will be presented in the form of plenary lectures, symposia, oral communications and posters including, for the first time, a special session for End-of-Degree projects of contrasted quality. Topics cover a wide range of subjects, among them Cell and Molecular Physiology, Neurophysiology, Neurodegeneration, Neurogenesis, Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition, Obesity, Cardiovascular Physiology, Blood, Respiratory Physiology, Gastrointestinal Physiology, Renal Physiology, Reproductive Physiology, Chronobiology, Animal Experimentation, Teaching of Physiology, Sports Physiology, Optogenetic and Mitochondrial Physiology. We would like to express our sincere acknowledgment to the contributing authors, especially to the invited speakers, some of them coming from the opposite part of the globe, chairpersons and colleagues from de Local, Organizing and Scientific committees, who have worked selflessly to get a high quality Congress from the scientific and social points of view. We greatly appreciate the indispensable economic support provided by commercial and institutional sponsors who have made this meeting possible. We are honored to welcome all participants, wishing you a scientifically rewarding, personally enriching and productive Congress. We hope you enjoy the hospitality of Cadiz, its wide range of cultural and gastronomic offer, its weather and, of course, its incomparable beaches.