Project description
Bridging advanced neuroscience imaging and natural animal behaviour
Two-photon microscopy is widely used in neuroscience to visualise neural activity at the cellular level. However, its application is largely restricted to immobilised animals, limiting the study of natural behaviours, free movement and social interactions. Recent advances in fibre-based miniaturised systems have begun to address this challenge, enabling high-resolution two-photon imaging in freely moving animals. The ERC-funded NeuroBRIDGE project aims to extend these advances by developing modular, cost-effective upgrades compatible with a wide variety of commercial two-photon microscopes. The project will validate the technology’s performance and demonstrate its effectiveness across different laboratory settings and infrastructures to ensure widespread adoption.
Objective
Two-photon (2P) microscopy is one of the most widely used tools in neuroscience to study neuronal activity with single-cell resolution. Yet, current 2P systems are largely restricted to head-fixed animals, limiting the scope of behavioural studies. To overcome this barrier, we have recently developed a novel fiber-based miniaturized approach that enables high-resolution 2P optical studies in freely moving animals. This proposal aims to transform this innovation into a robust, user-friendly platform that can be easily disseminated, thereby widening access to freely moving 2P experiments.
Our objective is to design and assemble a compact fiber-based module and validate its functionality and potential through proof-of-principle neuroscience experiments in freely moving behavioural paradigms.
In parallel, we will establish an intellectual property strategy and engage with industrial partners to accelerate commercialization. By enabling widespread access to naturalistic behavioral studies, this technology will expand experimental possibilities, allow institutions to upgrade existing equipment at reduced cost, open new product lines for industry, and ultimately advance understanding of brain function and neurological disorders.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08028 Barcelona
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.