Techniques and Methodologies for Brain Circuit-Level Analysis

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Presentation

In recent years, significant advancements in neuroscience tools have provided researchers with a new in-depth perspective on brain function. Novel anatomical, optical, genetic, electrophysiological, and imaging approaches have opened new possibilities for investigating neuronal circuits.

This hands-on course offers advanced training on various tools used for the analysis of neuronal circuits, including neuronal tracing strategies, fiber photometry, calcium/sensor imaging with miniaturized microscopes, and opto- and chemo-genetics. The course places a strong emphasis on how to design and develop a correct experiment using these tools, and on the appropriate controls, and on the limitations of these methodologies. This approach ensures that participants comprehend the strengths and limitations of each technique and can design, implement, and interpret experiments correctly. By the end of the course, students will have gained the basic skills and knowledge necessary to undertake innovative research projects in circuits neuroscience.

The course is structured into three modules:

Module 1. Brain anatomy: from cells to circuits
Module 1 focuses on the evaluation of neuronal connectivity, encompassing conventional tracing strategies and cutting-edge viral approaches. Participants will also gain hands-on experience in stereotaxic surgeries and brain processing techniques for connectivity analysis.

Module 2. Neuronal activity and neurotransmitters
In Module 2, a critical overview of tools for assessing neuronal activity will be presented. This includes fiber photometry and calcium imaging using 1-photon microscopy. Evaluation of neurotransmitter release using genetically encoded neurotransmitter sensors will also be covered.

Module 3: Data analysis
Module 3 centers on data analysis techniques for different types of data. Participants will be trained in open-source tools and coding for analyzing calcium imaging data from 1-photon microscopy and neurotransmitter sensor data.

While the modules are interconnected, external participants also have the flexibility to register for individual modules based on their proficiency in specific techniques. Practical classes constitute a significant portion of the course, reflecting its strong emphasis on hands-on training.

Organization

Carina Soares-Cunha
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Ana João Rodrigues
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Faculty

Invited Speakers

Christian Lüscher
Geneva University Neurocenter, Geneva, Switzerland

Jacques Barik
Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne, France

João Peça
Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Lin Tian
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, USA

Teaching Staff

Ana Verónica Domingues
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Bárbara Coimbra
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Daniela Campos
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Hugo Leite-Almeida
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

João Oliveira
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Luísa Pinto
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Nuno Dinis Alves
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Rafael Jungmann
Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal

Programme

This course will be held from April 20th to May 8th, 2026, and is divided in 3 modules. Click here to download the detailed programme.

Module 1 \| Brain Anatomy - From Cells to Circuits	April 20-23, 2026
This module focuses on neuronal connectivity, covering both classical tracing strategies and advanced viral approaches. Participants will gain hands-on experience with stereotaxic surgeries and brain tissue processing for connectivity analysis.

Module 2 \| Neuronal Activity and Neurotransmitter Dynamics	April 24-29, 2026
This module provides a critical overview of techniques for assessing neuronal function. Students will learn calcium imaging with one-photon and two-photon microscopy, as well as neurotransmitter detection using genetically encoded sensors and fiber photometry.

Module 3 \| Calcium Imaging and Fiber Photometry Data Analysis for Neuroscience	May 4-6, 2026
In this final module, participants will be trained in data analysis techniques for calcium imaging and neurotransmitter sensor data. Emphasis will be placed on using open-source tools and coding strategies to extract meaningful insights from experimental results.

Hands-on Training Approach
Practical sessions form a core component of the course, ensuring that students gain direct experience with each technique. By integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on experimentation, this course equips participants with the necessary skills to undertake innovative neuroscience research.

Registration

To register, please fill out the registration form. Within 24/72h, we will send you the confirmation and details for the payment. Please contact us if you do not receive a response in the next 5 days.

Target group

MSc and PhD students
Early-career scientists

Application deadline

April 8th, 2026

Applications for FENS-IBRO stipends deadline is March 31st, 2026

Number of vacancies

20 places

Fees

Only module 1: 200,00 EUR
Only module 2: 300,00 EUR
Only module 3: 100,00 EUR
Full course: 500,00 EUR

The fee includes

All the necessary material for the course
Certificate of attendance

For the students that enroll with a FENS stipend, accommodation and food are provided for the period of one week.

Details for the payment

This information will be sent to the accepted participants.

Payment and invoicing policy

After submit the registration form, you will receive an email with the payment details (this may take up to 72 hours). To complete the registration process, you should proceed with the payment and send the receipt to upg-cursos@med.uminho.pt within 5 days.

Your registration will be effective after confirmation of the payment. If payment is not made in due time we will have to cancel the registration.

The correct indication of customer data for the purposes of registration and billing are the sole responsibility of the customer. UMinho is not responsible for any errors that may result from inaccurate information provided by the customer, particularly in the issuance of tax documents which are not susceptible to cancellation after issued. If you do not indicate the tax identification number you will be considered as final consumer (non-taxable person).

Cancelation and refund policy

You may cancel your registration at any time, but you will forfeit the full amount, irrespective of the date of cancellation. We cannot refund or return the fee, unless the course suffers any changes or it is cancelled.

Stipends

FENS and IBRO-PERC provide stipends of up to 750 EUR for Master and/or PhD students located in Europe interested in attending this course. Through these stipends FENS and IBRO-PERC aim to encourage and promote international experience of students; hence, students that are currently residing or studying in Portugal are not eligible for this stipend for this course.

Apply to stipend in this form.

Deadline for stipend application: March 31st, 2026

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