Blending in-depth lectures with guided laboratory sessions, the workshop offered a dynamic introduction to core molecular biology techniques. Participants engaged directly with methods such as RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion, electrophoresis, plasmid DNA isolation, sequence analysis, and experimental design for cloning projects.

By combining expert instruction with hands-on practice, the programme not only reinforced fundamental concepts but also fostered confidence in applying these tools to real-world research challenges.

Nicole explores how moving away from the “domino-chain” view of the brain toward seeing it as a complex dynamical system – full of feedback loops and interactions – is opening doors to exciting new discoveries. They talk about the challenges of measuring brain disorders, why fundamental research is so essential, and how predicting salmon populations can help predict seizures in the brain.

“The spinal cord isn’t just a passive relay station executing brain commands”, says Susana Lima, Principal Investigator of CF’s Neuroethology Lab and senior author of the study. “It integrates sensory inputs, responds to arousal, and adjusts its output based on the animal’s internal state. It’s much more sophisticated than we imagined”.

Nicole asks a provocative question: what if treating brain disorders is less like replacing a broken part in a machine, and more like trying to redirect a hurricane? Nicole argues that only by embracing the brain as a complex adaptive system can we hope to make real progress.

Effective Neural Dynamical System

Memming Park (Neural Dynamics Lab)

Moderation

Klaas van Gisbergen (Tissue Immunity Lab)

Venue

Champalimaud Foundation Auditorium 

Registration

Please register via this link.
 

The Champalimaud Foundation (CF) played an important role in this achievement. Not only was CF’s Systems Neuroscience Lab one of the 12 experimental labs where the large-scale recordings were carried out, but CF also hosted much of the engineering team that designed and maintained the infrastructure that made such an unprecedented dataset possible.

“This is a historic step,” says Prof. Dr. Robert Schoevers, head of psychiatry at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and principal investigator of PsyPal. “After many months of preparation, we are thrilled to begin working directly with patients.”

THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS IS CLOSED.

[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED]

Fundação D. Anna de Sommer Champalimaud e Dr. Carlos Montez Champalimaud (Champalimaud Foundation), a private, non-profit research institution, is opening a call for a Research Technician.