The Proceedings of the 79th Symposium capture many of the tremendous discoveries currently being made by neuroscientists and psychologists working on cognitive processes at scales varying from the molecular to circuit to wholebrain and theoretical studies. Major advances in understanding cognitive function including learning memory language and decisionmaking are being made through the application of powerful new techniques and approaches. The scientific results discussed in this volume shed light on many areas of normal brain function but also offer novel insights into the treatment of psychiatric neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. This volume includes stateoftheart neurobiological research at genetic molecular cellular circuit and whole brain resolution. Additional chapters address computational neuroscience behavioral and psychophysical studies and evolutionarycomparative neuroscience. The Conversations included in this volume are based on interviews conducted during the Symposium and offer a broader anecdotal perspective on this fascinating subject by many of the worlds leading cognitive neuroscientists. The Symposium Proceedings provides an integrative overview of the current state of the field as well as a glimpse into the emerging connections between molecularcellular circuit mechanisms and higher brain function by leading authorities in the field.