A diverse range of model organisms and systems have played a vital role in illuminating fundamental aspects of neuroscience, elucidating disease mechanisms and in drug discovery for neurological disorders. Neuroscience researchers often have a deep affinity for the model system they primarily use, but as technologies continue to evolve and new techniques emerge, we need to ask ourselves:

Are we always using the best model system to answer our scientific question?
Are we missing valuable opportunities in to adapt our preferred models or incorporate novel approaches that are used in other model systems?
Can we break down our “model system” silos to accelerate the impact of our research?

With these questions in mind, this training session will be presented by experts with experience across a wide range of different model organisms and systems used in neuroscience research. They will highlight areas of value for each model, recent research advances made using the models and some of the challenges.

Wednesday 5 November
1pm – 1.20pm
Caenorhabditis elegans (Worms)

Training

1.20pm – 1.40pm
Drosophila melanogaster (Flies)

Training

1.40pm – 2pm
Zebrafish

Training

2pm – 2.20pm
Panel Discussion: “What next for our model systems – where will future research leaders take us?”

Panel

2.20pm – 2.40pm
Break

Break

2.40pm – 3pm
Mice

Training

3pm – 3.20pm
Rats

Training

3.20pm – 3.40pm
Human iPSCs

Training

3.40pm – 4pm
Panel Q&A: “Your questions answered”

Panel

Attendees of the session will gain new insight into the value that a range of model systems can bring to your own research, as well as insight into the practicalities of using the different models. It will also provide an opportunity for you to ask questions to researchers who have a breadth of experience of using these models. Open research questions and areas for exploration by the neuroscience leaders of tomorrow will also be discussed.

All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.

Speakers

Dr Alex  Benedetto

Dr Alex Benedetto

Senior lecturer in Integrative Physiology, Lancaster University

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Professor Caroline  Brennan

Professor Caroline Brennan

Interim Head of School, Professor of Molecular Genetics, Queen Mary University of London

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Dr Sue  Broughton

Dr Sue Broughton

Senior Lecturer in Biogerontology, Lancaster University

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Dr Neil  Dawson

Dr Neil Dawson

Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience, Lancaster University

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Dr Cheryl  Hawkes

Dr Cheryl Hawkes

Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience, Lancaster University

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Dr Sandrine  Willaime-Morawek

Dr Sandrine Willaime-Morawek

Associate Professor in Stem Cells and Neurobiology, University of Southampton

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