ISN Advanced School 2026

The ISN Advanced School 2026 blends cutting-edge science with immersive training and professional growth. Across thematic scientific modules, participants will explore mechanisms of stress, RNA dynamics, and proteostasis in the nervous system. The programme integrates hands-on laboratory experiences designed to deepen experimental confidence with soft-skill workshops that strengthen communication and career readiness. Poster sessions and interactive challenges will support scientific exchange and collaboration. Built-in community time will foster long-lasting connections.

Full schedule details will be confirmed closer to the event.

Dates: 25 to 31 October 2026
Venue: University of Algarve, Campus Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
 

Audience
The course is aimed at PhD students and early-stage postdoctoral researchers who want to start using or enhance their knowledge of neurochemical mechanisms underlying brain function and disease.
 

Scientific Focus
An overview of the scientific themes: stress, RNA, proteostasis, brain function and disease, delivered through integrated lectures and discussions.
 

Hands-On Experience
Participants will engage in practical, small-group laboratory activities selected from a curated list of cutting-edge techniques.
 

Professional Development
A series of soft-skill workshops covering communication, career strategy, grant writing, and research integrity.
 

Scientific Exchange
Two poster sessions will provide dynamic opportunities to share your research and exchange ideas with peers and experts.
 

Interactive Challenges
A team-based exercise to practise skills in real scientific contexts.
 

Networking & Community
Built-in social time, including meals, receptions, and organised cultural activities.

Chair :
Clévio Nóbrega ABC-Ri / FMCB, Portugal Neurodegeneration molecular mechanisms

Organising Committee:
Marta Vitorino ABC-Ri / FMCB, Portugal Neurogenesis 
 

Sara Carvalhal ABC-Ri / FMCB, Portugal Neurodevelopment 
 

Soraia Barão ABC CoLAB / ABC-Ri, Portugal Neurodevelopment 
 

Joana Apolónio ABC / ABC-Ri / FMCB, Portugal Epigenetics 
 

Mónica Fernandes ABC-Ri / FMCB, Portugal Brain cancer 
 

Carolin Hoffmann ABC-Ri/FMCB, Portugal NeuroimmunologyM
 

Daniela Santos ABC CoLAB / ABC-Ri, Portugal Neurogenesis
 

Ana Filipa Ferreira ABC-Ri / FMCB, Portugal Neurodegeneration molecular mechanisms
 

Amit Agarwal, Heidelberg University, Germany 
 

Carina Soares-Cunha, ICVS / University of Minho, Portugal 
 

Ellen Nollen, Groningen University, Germany 
 

Emanuela Pasciuto, VIB & University of Antwerp, Belgium 
 

Evgenia Salta, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, The Netherlands 
 

Giles E. Hardingham, UK Dementia Research Institute Edinburgh Medical School University of Edinburgh, UK 
 

Godefroy Devevey, ICArEHB / University of Algarve, Portugal 
 

Joana Ferreira, MIA / University of Coimbra, Portugal 
 

Jose Luis Lanciego, Universidad de Navarra, Spain
 

Liesbeth Aerts, Belgium 
 

Luis Ribeiro, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Portugal 
 

Margarida Carvalho, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal 
 

Matthew Holt, i3S, Portugal 
 

Michele Farisco, Uppsala University, Sweden 
 

Nuno Barbosa Morais, GiMM/FMUL, Portugal 
 

Patrícia Maciel, ICVS, University of Minho, Portugal 
 

Sara Calafate, ICVS / University of Minho, Portugal 
 

Simon Alberti, Dresden University of Technology, Germany 
 

Vanessa Coelho Santos, University of Coimbra, Portugal 
 

Vered Kellner, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
 

We are grateful to our sponsors and partners: 
 

Registration link: ISN Advanced School 2026 – Fill out the form