PANERIS Summer School – Vilnius

PANERIS Summer School on Neurodevelopment

Organiser: VU LSC
Date: 25th – 29th August 2025
Place: Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania

The PANERIS Summer School 2025, hosted by VU LSC in Vilnius, will explore the fascinating and complex processes that shape the developing nervous system. The summer school program is designed for early-career researchers, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates with a keen interest in neurodevelopmental biology.

Participants will attend in-depth lectures covering core aspects of brain development—from the formation of neural circuits and synapses to the role of glial cells and advanced tools like organoids and genetic screening. Sessions will be led by experienced researchers actively contributing to cutting-edge discoveries.

Alongside the lectures, the Summer School features a practical workshop on CRISPR/Cas9 applications in mammalian systems, as well as microglia isolation and functional assays. Participants will gain hands-on experience with gene editing tools and will learn how to isolate pure microglial cultures. In addition, they will perform key functional tests to assess microglial activity, exploring how these techniques can be applied in neurodevelopmental research.

To support career development, the program also includes transferable skills sessions focused exclusively on fellowship writing. Through practical guidance and expert input, participants will develop key skills for writing clear, compelling, and competitive fellowship proposals—an essential step toward launching an independent research career. 

Join us in Vilnius for a dynamic week of science, skill-building, and networking!