Stress is an all-too-familiar topic for many, regardless of age or circumstance. Though the subject may be well-known, the field of stress study is growing and changing rapidly and new revelations into the biology of stress are being uncovered daily. These new findings are especially important in the realm of stress related to childhood trauma.

The Penn State Network on Child Protection and Well-Being is bringing together top researchers in neuroscience, genomics, endocrinology and immunology for a conference on the biology of stress, maltreatment and trauma, set to take place Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the Nittany Lion Inn on the University Park campus.

The conference, titled "New Frontiers in the Biology of Stress, Maltreatment and Trauma: Opportunities for Translation, Resilience and Reversibility," is the fourth annual conference on child protection since the network’s 2012 inception as a part of the University’s efforts to address the widespread and serious problem of child maltreatment. Each year the conference takes on a different theme and welcomes various speakers, always aiming to address an important aspect of childhood health and protection.

This year the conference is no different, hosting 15 guest speakers with an impressive array of specializations.

“This conference is designed to address the many facets of human health and development that are impacted by stress, maltreatment and trauma,” said Jennie Noll, an organizer for the conference and the director of the network. “The speakers are arguably among the world's experts in these various fields. This will be a very unique opportunity to have the best research in the fields of endocrinology, brain development and genomics at one forum.”

As the speakers vary in background and interest, conference organizers hope tol host a diverse group of attendees, as well.

“This is the sort of knowledge that everyone can benefit from,” said Noll, “not only researchers, but those who serve victims and their families, as well as community members and leaders who have a passion for ensuring that the best research reaches those who will benefit the most."

The conference is open to anyone and the community is encouraged to attend. Penn State students receive free admission and faculty and staff receive a discounted rate.

For those who are unsure of their scientific expertise, each session comes with a built in translation period where the information presented is formed into tangible actions and audience discussion is encouraged.

“The conference aims to give participants a chance to digest the information and then think of ways they can apply it to their research and their lives,” said Sandee Kyler, an organizer of the event. “We want the conference to not only give attendees important facts and figures, but also we want people to be able to leave feeling like they’ve gained an understanding of the subject that they can use moving forward.”

Those interested in the conference can register online, and Kyler suggests the sooner, the better. Early registration features a discounted fee and lasts until Sept. 7. Regular registration will continue until Sept. 24. For more information, contact conferences@outreach.psu.edu.