2011-FENS-IBRO Summer School: Development and plasticity of cortical representation

FENS-IBRO Summer School: Development and plasticity of cortical representation

The construction of the brain follows an integrated series of developmental steps. It begins with the decision of a few early embryonic cells to become progenitors of the neural plate. The neural tissue differentiates using signals from outside and from within. As connections form between nerve cells and their electrical properties emerge, the brain begins to process information and to mediate behaviours, even during fetal life. Interactions with the outside world, mediated by sensory input, update and modify the functional architecture of the cerebral cortex, particularly during specific sensitive periods,as individual experience drives the consolidation of cortical circuitry. But reorganization of cortical representations continues throughout life, in response to learning, loss of sensory input, trauma or disease. Understanding the formation and continuous dynamic change in cortical representation of sensory and motor functions is a fundamental challenge for neuroscience.

This school is designed to educate and inspire young investigators to think about cortical development and function at multiple levels.It is intended for advanced PhD students and post docs in neuroscience who already have a scientific record.

The school will be held at the Congress Centre of the University of Bologna in Bertinoro, Italy, 5-10 June 2011

Scientific Organisers
Zoltan Molnar (UK) and Pasko Rakic (USA)
 

Faculty
H. Barlow, M. Bear, C. Blakemore, G. Benedek, T. Bonhoeffer, I. Bystron, B. Finlay, M. Hawken, G. Innocenti, M. Kossut, L. Krubitzer, Z. Kubova, G. López-Bendito, L. Maffei, Z. Molnár, T. Movshon, P. Rakic, W. Singer, I. Skaliora, M. Stryker
 

Application Information
The School accepts a maximum of 30 PhD students and early post docs who provide evidence of sufficient scientific background and experience to benefit fully from the course.

***Application opens on December 1st, 2010. Deadline on January 28, 2011.***

Applicants will be informed in early March about the outcome.