Neural Circuits of behavior: from synapses to action

The advanced training course, organized by Scuola Normale Superiore, is funded by the PNRR through the MERITA, the network for talent project*.
 
Date: February 5 – February 6, 2026
Location: Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa
Total hours: 13
Max participants: 45
Language: English
Application deadline: January 15, 2026
Target audience: attendance of Undergraduate/Graduate/PhD programs or being a young researcher in the biological, medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, neuroscience or related fields

Description

The course has the aim to strengthen knowledge related to the brain mechanisms underlying behavior in health and disease by examining the foundational aspects of learning, memory and social behavior. In particular, it will explore:

• the physiological and molecular processes that underpin memory formation and recall and how these processes are influenced by various internal and external factors
• the impact of neuroplasticity on learning and memory, emphasizing how experiences and learning continuously reshape the brain's structure and function throughout life
• the foundational aspects of the social brain, focusing on how neural circuits facilitate social interactions and behaviors
• the neural mechanisms that support social cognition, empathy, and the interpretation of social cues, which are crucial for navigating complex social environments
• innovative approaches for studying neural circuits using Allen Institute resources.

By bringing together leading research in these areas, this course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how neural circuits govern behavior, offering insights into both the social brain and the mechanisms of learning and memory.

Keynote:

Paul Frankland | Sick Kids, Toronto

Jeremy Miller | Allen Institute, Seattle

Speakers:

James Ainge | University of St.Andrews

Sebastiano Bariselli | Humanits University, Milan

Serena Bovetti | University of Turin

Laura Cancedda | IIT, Genoa

Manuel Mameli | University of Lausanne

Francesco Papaleo | IIT, Genoa

Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti | Cambridge University

Dario Scheggia | University of Milan

Ludovico Silvestri | University of Florence

Michel van den Oever | Vrije Universiteit , Amsterdam

Gisella Vetere | ESPCI, Paris

Application and Scholarship Information

The application, accompanied by an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, must be submitted using the designated form no later than January 15, 2026. Additionally, candidates have the option to include a poster-style presentation (using the abstract form available for download on this page). The four best poster presentations will be selected to be inserted in the course program as short talks.

The first day is made up of 9 hours of lessons (from 8 am to 6:30 pm, with a lunch break of about 1 hour). 
The second day consists of 4 hours of lessons (from 9 am to 1 pm). 

Participation in the School does not entail enrollment fees.
Admission to the course includes participation in the lectures, the educational material and lunch on the first day of the course only. 
Based on the ranking, 18 scholarships will be awarded, providing a maximum reimbursement of €250,00 for travel and accommodation expenses. No expense reimbursement is provided for candidates affiliated with institutions based in Pisa.

____________________________________

* MERITA, the network for talent project is the result of a collaboration between five Italian academic institutions: the Scuola Normale Superiore, the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, the Collegio Superiore dell’Università di Bologna, the Scuola Galileiana di Studi Superiori dell’Università di Padova and the Scuola Superiore di Studi Avanzati della Sapienza Università di Roma.
The MERITA project is funded within the Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR), Missione 4 – Istruzione e Ricerca, Componente 1, Investimento 3.4 "Didattica e competenze universitarie avanzate"- "Rafforzamento delle Scuole universitarie superiori". (National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Mission 4 – Education and Research, Component 1, Investment 3.4 "Advanced university teaching and competences" - "Enhancement of the institutions for higher education").