Program agenda 2012

London, March 2012

Computer modelling

The aim of the course will be to introduce the latest optical and computer modeling techniques for studying neural network function. Over the 3 days, approximately 30% of the time will be devoted to lectures on the methods and their limitations, 10% will involve demonstrations of different imaging methods and 60% will involve ‘hands on’ tutorials, where the students can become familiar with using neuroconstruct, a software package for modelling neural networks.

Barcelona, June 11-12th

FENS Meeting

Exchange programme with Erasmus Mundus students from Neuroscience Campus and ENC Network.

Trieste, October 2012

Molecular basis of Neurodegeneration

Neurogenomics
This course will provide an overview of all the techniques involved in the study of gene expression in the brain including cell labelling, cell purification, RNA amplification, microarray and deep-sequencing.

Trieste, October 2012

Annual Meeting

Trieste, October 2012

Neurogenomics

Molecular basis of Neurodegeneration: This conference will discuss the recent advances in neurodegenerative diseases with special emphasis on the mechanisms of cell type-specific susceptibility and gene expression profiles experiments in post mortem brains as well as in mouse models of the disease.

Magdeburg, December 2012

Finding molecular keys to brain dysfunction

Bottom-up or Top-down: how to find molecular keys to brain dysfunction
Day 1: lectures concerning “Molecules, Synapses, Networks – Basic Principles of Neural Organization”.
Following days: Bottom-up approaches like mouse mutants for synaptic proteins and Top-down techniques like proteomics of the dysfunctional brain or Imaging genetics: how genes influence brain structure or behaviour in animals or humans.

Heidelberg, December 2012

Supraresolution Imaging

Topic is targeted perturbations of synaptic function using viral gene transfer and mouse genetics.
This includes:

  • methods of perturbations (KO, RNAi, toxins, dominant-negatives, silencers, and actuators);
  • viral gene transfer systems;
  • stereotaxic approaches;
  • techniques of functional exploration of perturbations;
  • techniques for detection of structural alterations;
  • quantitative image processing;
  • determination of gene expression profiles and compensatory changes caused by perturbations;
  • modelling and simulation.

Practical ‘didactic’ lectures will alternate with research talks presenting latest results using these technologies.
Practical demonstrations are organized in the laboratory if the total number of participants permits.