Molecular Neurodegeneration

This course provides an overview of the molecular basis of
neurodegeneration and the development of therapeutic intervention to
combat neurodegenerative disorders. The programme will focus on several
disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Fragile X,
Spinocerebellar ataxia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. There are many
parallels between different neurodegenerative disorders and the course
will examine the common themes across neurodegenerative processes.
Participants will gain an insight into the current understanding of both
rare and common neurological disorders, the strengths and weaknesses of
experimental approaches and evidence, recent developments in biomarkers
and how this knowledge can be applied to develop therapies.

The programme is aimed at individuals working in neurodegenerative
research, neurogenetics or translational neuroscience, including
clinician scientists, veterinary scientists, PhD students and
post-doctoral researchers. We encourage applications from researchers
based in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Applications
from those who have completed a PhD in another area and have moved into
neuroscience for their postdoctoral studies will also be considered.

The course will benefit researchers who seek a comprehensive view of
neurodegenerative disorders together with state of the art research
techniques, and who wish to gain a new perspective on their own studies.
The intensive programme provides the opportunity to interact with leading
international neuroscientists. To optimize discussions and interactions,
numbers are limited to 30 students.

Learning outcomes
After attending this course, participants will be able to:

•    Describe in detail the process of
neurodegeneration
•    Compare and contrast different neurological
disorders
•    Critique a range of experimental techniques being
used in neurogenetics
•    Interpret and communicate the findings of a
Genome-Wide Association Study
•    Discuss the use of multiple biomarkers to diagnose
neurodegenerative diseases
•    Describe recent advances in therapeutic and
translational areas to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases
•    Apply concepts learned on the course to your own
research project

Feedback from previous participants
“The whole course was an amazing experience and a great opportunity
to get up to speed in such complex topics.”

“The course really broadened my horizons as to the different powerful
tools used for studying the mechanisms of disease.”

“This is the best course I have been on. The interactive element to the
course with fantastic speakers and a small group of participants is truly
unique. The speakers and topics chosen perfectly complemented each other.
By the end of the course key mechanisms and therapeutic strategies across
the breadth of the neurodegenerative diseases were highlighted with
important common themes emerging across diseases. I came away with lots
of ideas to take to the lab.”

The course will start at approximately 12.00 on Monday, 15 January and
close at approximately 16.00 on Friday, 19 January 2018.

The programme is lecture-based but highly interactive. Participants will
have the opportunity to share their research with tutors, speakers and
other students throughout the course, during the formal poster sessions
and discussion sessions. Tutors are available throughout the course.

Topics will include:

• Pathological events in neurodegeneration
• Autophagy, aging and neurodegeneration
• Genetic variation in inherited and sporadic disease
• RNA Genomics and bioinformatics
• Use of in vivo models to study neurological pathogenesis
• Modelling neurodegeneration using iPSCs
• Development of therapeutic approaches

Download a copy of the draft programme.

This is a residential course. All students are requested to stay onsite
for the full duration to benefit fully from discussions and interactions
with the faculty and other students.

Scientific programme committee
Mark Cookson National Institutes of Health, USA
Beverly Davidson The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the
University of Pennsylvania, USA
Harry Orr University of Minnesota, USA 

Nicholas Wood University College London, UK

Confirmed tutors
Karen Duff Columbia University, US
Costantino Iadecola Weill Cornell Medical College,
USA
Rick Livesey University of Cambridge, UK
Giovanna Mallucci Medical Research Council, UK
Huw Morris University College London, UK
David Nelson Baylor College of Medicine, USA
Rita Sattler Barrow Neurological Institute, USA
Sarah Tabrizi University College London, UK
Yi Xing University of California, Los Angeles, USA

Event organiser
Lucy Criddle Wellcome Genome Campus, UK

Fees

The fees include accommodation, meals and lectures for the duration of
the course. The fee will be requested once acceptance is confirmed.

Accommodation
This is a residential course. All participants will stay at The Wellcome
Genome Campus Conference Centre, Hinxton, Cambridge, for the nights of
15, 16, 17, and 18 January 2018. For twin accommodation,  roommates
will be allocated on a gender basis.

If you wish to book onsite accommodation either side of the summer
school/course dates, please contact the Conference
Centre directly.

Applications
Application deadline: Closed

Places on this course are limited to 20 students and will be awarded on
merit. Applicants should be PhD students currently engaged in relevant
research and will be required to complete an online application form.
The selection process will take place in November 2017.

The following will need to be provided:

• Qualifications and justification for attendance
• A list of relevant publications
• An outline of current research
• Supervisor’s details: your supervisor will then receive an e-mail requesting a supporting statement to complete your application.

Please note: Applications cannot be considered without a
supervisor’s supporting statement.

Travel visas
Please contact the event organiser if you require a letter to support a
travel visa application. Note that letters will be provided to confirmed
attendees.

Non-European Economic Area or Swiss nationals may be required to have a
visa to enter the UK.
Early application is strongly advised, as this process can take 6-8 weeks
or longer.

Please visit the following websites for further information:
UK Border Agency website and information for general visitors and business
visitors.

A limited number of registration bursaries are
available for PhD students to attend this course (up to 50% of the
fee).

The following documents will need to be provided:

• CV
• Covering letter
• Letter from supervisor

To apply, please contact the event organiser.

Bursary deadline: Closed