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Training, Research and Raising of Public Awareness in Cell Biology and Pathology of Neuroglia

Project description

Training the next generation of neuroscientists

Brain diseases affect a significant part of the population, necessitating a better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain function. To foster the successful development of innovative and improved brain therapies it is crucial to train and educate neuroscientists. This is the scope of the EU-GliaPhD project which is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme. The consortium will focus on the role of neuron-glia interactions in brain function and pathology, particularly epilepsy. Young researchers will receive training in state-of-the-art technologies through research projects and study neurobiology and pathology, as well as develop soft skills. The insights gained from studying epilepsy could lead to novel approaches in treating brain disorders.

Objective

The research in which the young scientists of the EU-GliaPhD consortium will be trained is centred on the role of neuron-glia interactions in brain function and pathology.
Prompted by exciting discoveries of recent years, many academic research groups are currently focussing their research on the field of neuron-glia interactions for a better understanding of brain function. Also the private sector such as the pharmaceutical industry pays more and more attention to the role of neuroglia in various neuropathologies. These research activities create an increasing demand for outstanding young neuroscientists to join academia or industry. To address this need for neuroscientists with a strong knowledge in neuron-glia interactions, the EU-GliaPhD consortium of recognized European neuroscientists decided to initiate a training network in which young scientists, the EU-GliaPhD fellows will be educated in collaborative research projects to study neuron-glia interactions at the molecular, cellular and systems level in the healthy and the diseased brain. A strong emphasis will lie on epilepsy, a multi-faceted, chronic neurological disorder characterized by the frequent recurrence of seizures.
The EU-GliaPhD consortium will focus on five important educational and training objectives:
1. Broad training in several current state-of-art technologies that are highly relevant for brain research
2. Teaching an in-depth understanding of molecular and cellular neurobiology and -pathology
3. Focused specialization in defined research projects
4. Training in dissemination of modern neuroscience research to expert and lay audiences
5. Education in soft skills such as article writing, oral presentations or research ethics
By studying epilepsy, fundamental questions on the cellular and molecular aspects of neuron-glia interaction can be addressed. Novel insight delivered by EU-GliaPhD may serve as basis for the development of novel strategies in treating brain disorders.

Coordinator

UNIVERSITAT DES SAARLANDES
Net EU contribution
€ 498 432,96
Address
CAMPUS
66123 Saarbrucken
Germany

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Region
Saarland Saarland Regionalverband Saarbrücken
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 498 432,96

Participants (12)

Partners (4)