Background:

Latest technical developments for applications in diagnosis and therapy in neurosciences lead to updated medical devices. New approaches for measuring neuronal activity with, e.g. dry electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes, optically pumped magnetic field sensors and neuronal current imaging based on low-field magnetic resonance are realized. Also advanced stimulation devices like multichannel stimulators for transcranial current stimulation can be used. These technical advances provide abilities to overcome limitations in state of the art measurements and stimulation techniques applied in neurosciences.
Dry EEG electrodes and optically pumped magnetic field sensors reduce preparation procedures and instrumentation complexity. Hence, applications in mobile measurement systems become feasible. Multichannel transcranial current stimulation can lead to higher precision in targeting smaller brain areas in order to influence their functionality.
These technical innovations pose inherent challenges. The electrode-skin-contact is more instable for dry electrodes compared to conventional wet electrodes. Measurements with optically pumped magnetic field sensors and low-field magnetic resonance are noise sensitive and therefore demand costly counteractions. Non-linear interferences between stimulation configuration and biological system occur in multichannel transcranial current stimulation which need to be addressed in effect interpretation.
The new developments require substantial effort in technical innovations with respect to hard- and software configurations. Further, new application fields need to be assessed.

Aims: 

The main objective of the International Summer School is to provide in depth education on new technical developments in modalities to measure and stimulate neuronal activity and the related challenges in their applications, covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications in research in clinical practice. It aims at a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms and thus will develop a critical view on current applications and possible future developments. The second important aim of the International Summer School consist in providing contact with both leading experts in the field and other students with similar interests. This way, the meeting will facilitate the exchange of ideas on latest developments and help to build professional networks.
By completing a scientific project, the students will obtain more detailed knowledge on the topic, learn about unsolved and controversial issues and improve their abilities in the fields of scientific writing and oral presentation.

Thematic Structure:

The following aspects of technical advances will be covered:

• Thorough discussion of the properties of the various measurement and stimulation devices with technical development and realization.
• Techniques to address challenges in device application and data analysis.
• Elaboration of applications in diagnosis and therapy of neurological disorders and diseases.
• Possibilities to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms by recording and stimulating neuronal activity.

Didactic Structure:

The main ingredients of the didactic concept are:

• oral presentations by renowned experts in the respective field of research,
• self-study time for elaborating and discussing the presented topics,
• panel discussions for discussion issues that have come up during the talks and the self-study time, and
• project work by the participants in small groups,
• presentation and evaluation of the work of the students, and
• social program.

Target group:

• PhD students
• Advanced Master students
• Researchers entering the field computational neuroscience, neuroscience methodology and experimental neuroscience 

Final schedule:

• Schedule_0721.pdf

Credits: 4 ECTS

Registration:

For registration please send an e-mail with the following contact data: first name, last name, position (e.g. PhD student), Institution with address, telephone, fax, and e-mail to Gabriela Hey.

gabi.hey(at)tu-ilmenau.de

In response, you will receive a registration number and the payment details. The preliminary registration secures you a place on the list for three weeks, within which you should transfer the money. Registration becomes valid upon reception of the fee. Refund of the registration fee will be given upon cancellation before July 31st 2015.

Please make sure to state your registration number as reason of payment!

Costs: 

640 Euro including tuition, 12 overnight stays, breakfast, coffee breaks and social program.

Support:

There are travel grants (Euro 200) for applicants from outside Germany. For application please send a letter of support from your supervising professor and a short description of your motivation and current work in the field.

Venue:

The International Summer School 2010 will take place in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany.
The address of the venue is:

Accommodation:

Accommodation and restaurant will be provided in LEUCOREA facilities. The accommodations consist of double and single bedrooms.
The LEUCOREA is located in the city center of Wittenberg with connection to public transport in walking distance.

Posters:

Optionally, all participants will have the opportunity to present own work with a poster during the summer school.

Please log in to list all internal documents for participants.

Link