PANERIS Summer School 2025: Advancing Knowledge in Neurodevelopment
From August 25 to 29, 2025, the PANERIS Summer School on Neurodevelopment brought together early-career researchers, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows at the Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre for an immersive and interdisciplinary training experience in the field of neurodevelopmental biology.
Exploring Neural Circuit Formation Through Lectures and Hands-On Training
Participants engaged in a dynamic program of lectures led by top international researchers, covering key topics such as the development of neural circuits, synapse formation, glial cell function, organoid technologies, and genome-wide genetic screening. The scientific content was further enriched by practical workshops, where attendees were split into smaller groups to receive hands-on training in:
- CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing for mammalian systems
- Microglia isolation and functional imaging, including real-time analysis of microglial activity
These sessions enabled participants to directly apply advanced experimental methods in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Supporting Research Careers with Transferable Skills
The program also emphasized career development through transferable skills workshops. These focused on enhancing participants’ ability to secure research funding, with a particular emphasis on fellowship proposal writing, strategic planning, and communicating scientific ideas effectively. Delivered by experienced trainers, these sessions equipped attendees with valuable tools for navigating competitive academic landscapes.
Strengthening Networks and Building Capacity
As part of the broader PANERIS initiative, the summer school aimed to build research capacity in neuroscience across Europe’s widening participation regions. The event fostered collaboration, exchange of ideas, and interdisciplinary dialogue among participants from diverse academic backgrounds and institutions.
In addition to the scientific program, the week included social activities that allowed participants to explore Vilnius, including visits to the historic Old Town, Trakai, and the former Lukiškės Prison, helping to build lasting connections in an informal setting.
The PANERIS Summer School in Vilnius demonstrated the power of combining scientific excellence with skill-building and international networking—laying the foundation for future research collaborations in neurodevelopmental neuroscience.
Acknowledgments
The Summer School on Neurodevelopment was organized by the Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre as part of the PANERIS project.
The opinions and views expressed are solely those of their author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the REA can be held responsible for them.
