As the field of optogenetics transitions from being a novel approach to a staple of systems neuroscience, it is critical that we as a field establish common standards for rigorous design and interpretation of our data sets. The rapid development of new opsin variants and the integration of optogenetic tools with classic approaches such as electrophysiology call for us to communicate across subfields and, together, recognize common pitfalls and problems with approaches that span our specific topic areas.

From circuit-mapping to projection-specific targeting to photoidentification, the rules are being determined now to provide a foundation for the future of this approach. We will encourage discussion leaders to engage speakers and attendees in discussion regarding controversial issues in the field and establish "ground rules" or field standards in an open and egalitarian manner.