In this workshop, we will explore how behavioral analysis helps us to understand brain function. We will discuss experimental methods for assessing and evaluating behavior and their relevance to neuroscience research. In addition to the theoretical foundations on various tests developed to measure locomotor and emotional changes in rodents, we will provide insights into the analysis and interpretation of behavioral data. Finally, we will discuss on the advantages and pitfalls of different tests.

In vivo neurochemical profiling provides valuable insight into brain function and disease by measuring neurotransmitters and metabolites in living tissue. In this workshop, participants will receive an introduction to preclinical magnetic resonance spectroscopy and its role in neuroscience research. We will cover which key neurometabolites can be quantified, what they reflect biologically, and how acquisition and processing choices affect data quality and interpretation. 

The session is designed for Bachelor’s and Master’s students and does not require prior spectroscopy experience. After the theoretical part, participants will visit the Core Facility for Small Animal Imaging to see a preclinical 11.7 Tesla MR system and learn how high field MR enables advanced brain imaging and spectroscopy. Depending on time and group size, the visit will include a short practical demonstration of the workflow from sample and subject handling to measurement setup.

Classical two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models allow only limited conclusions because of disturbed microenvironment, cellular polarity, mode of cell division or interaction with extracellular environment. Three-dimensional (3D) and organoid cultures derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) seem to be a superior model due to a series of advantages: (i) organoids are highly expandable, (ii) can form virtually every tissue and provide a 3D structure closely mimicking complex organs, (iii) can recapitulate transformation, and (iv) undergo successful transplantation.

Our workshop will focus on our approach to direct hPSCs towards pancreatic organoids in vitro. You will see behind the curtain, when we generate ductal organoids from our stem cell models, culture and process them for various downstream analyses such as imaging and get some insight on QuPath image analysis. On top, you will gain insights into advanced technologies like bioprinting. If you are interested to get some hands-on experience when handling organoids and exhibit basic knowledge in cell culture techniques and laboratory practice, apply for this workshop now!

We live in a virosphere - the most abundant organisms on the planet are viruses. Fortunately, humans have evolved efficient defensive measures - our immune system - that protects us against most incoming viruses. However, sometimes these defenses fail, resulting in the establishment of viral infections. In the worst cases this leads to global and rapid spread of an infectious diseases, i.e. a pandemic. In order to understand how pandemics arise, and how they could be prevented in the future, we need to study these pathogens. In this workshop we will discuss with you the interplay between our defensive systems and pandemic pathogens as illustrated by HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. We will show you how we study high risk pathogens within our safety labs. You get to experience our lab's safety equipment while building your own (3D printed) version of a pandemic pathogen, which you can keep as a safe reminder of the dangers posed by pathogens we may occasionally face.

• How does our body's immune system fight against viruses?
• How do pandemic viruses overcome our immune defenses?
• How do you study pandemic viruses to understand their biology to find novel preventive and therapeutic measures?