Timetable & learning outcomes
Chronic pain is a major health problem in developed Western societies, affecting up to 30% of the general population (Cohen et al., 2021, Lancet). In contrast to the physiological role of acute pain, which is crucial for survival, chronic pain is considered a disease with psychological implications.
It is crucial to study all the networks involved in pain sensation in physiological conditions and their plasticity in pathological pain to understand their interactions and develop tomorrow's treatments. This approach requires a high level of cutting-edge technologies, including:
- molecular biology to specifically target and manipulate brain neuronal populations;
- high-performance and less invasive electrophysiology and calcium imaging tools to record from different brain areas simultaneously;
- a new pipeline for data storage and analysis;
- clinical pain assessment (QST, Nociceptive flexion reflex), a 2026 novelty;
- and obviously skilled researchers who will perform, analyse, interpret, and propose new solutions for a better tomorrow in the field of pain.
The objective of this summer school is to bring together highly renowned scientists working on pain pathology, experienced mentors that will train students during workshops, and the Bordeaux School of Neuroscience, which will offer specific training courses.
Over the course of 5 days, this intensive programme will provide students with advanced courses in neural circuits of pain, workshops to study cutting-edge techniques in detail as well as a day dedicated to training courses during which students will be able to choose specific techniques that they may implement in their laboratory after the summer school.
Tentative programme
Local and international experts from academia will lead a series of lectures covering one major topic on pain circuits: from periphery to central circuits with one session (1) focusing on circuit and development and a second session (2) on modulation of pain circuits. These will be followed by roundtables, workshops and training courses. A poster session will also be organised for selected students to present their own work and chat with invited speakers and school organisers.
Students, speakers, and instructors will also be invited to several dinners and social activities, allowing them to bond over meaningful conversations and quality time.
Please note: the schedule is presented in Central European Summer Time (CEST). Detailed information will be provided after the course instructors have been selected, according to their specialisations.
*Download the provisional timetable*
*List of workshops (5 electives):
- In vivo ephys with optogenetic in anesthetized mice
- In vivo ephys in freely moving animals and behavior
- Human Neurophysiology
- Neuroanatomy, clarity, light sheet microscopy
- Fiber photometry
- Miniscope
- Two photons imaging DRG
A certificate of participation will be awarded to students upon completion of the course.