Science4All 2024

When: September 28-29, 2024, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Saturday) and from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Sunday)

Where: Palazzo del Bo, Via VIII Febbraio 2, Padova PD

Abstract: The University of Padua presents the 2024 edition of the Science4All Festival, which aims at communicating science in a simple but engaging way. The public will meet researchers from the University of Padua and participate in scientific experiments through workshops, games and other activities. All activities are free.

The Padova Neuroscience Center and our PhD Program in Neuroscience will be present at Palazzo Bo (booth No 21) and they will present “Un viaggio interattivo nel mondo delle neuroscienze“, a series of activities showing how research methods and new discoveries have improved our knowledge of the brain.

Bayesian analysis of neuroimaging data

by Dr. Peter Zeidman, University College London, UK

When: September 27, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: In this talk, I will introduce methods for identifying the neural and vascular physiology that gives rise to non-invasive human neuroimaging data (e.g. MRI, fMRI, fNIRS, M/EEG). These methods enable us to go beyond simply describing our data, and test hypotheses about underlying neural and vascular mechanisms that cause the data. The key ingredients are Bayesian statistical methods, which enable us to quantify the evidence for competing explanations for how our data were generated. In particular, using worked examples from clinical and cognitive neuroscience, I will highlight 1) a Bayesian approach for statistical parametric mapping of fMRI data and Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM), and 2) state-space models of neural connectivity and vascular dynamics. All the methods I will describe are freely available in the SPM software package, among others.

2024-09-27 – Peter Zeidman

Selection notice no 4 for the awarding of one position at the Padova Neuroscience Center in the framework of the PNRR Cascading Grant Project INSIGHTS

Title of the Project

“Analisi multimodale della connettività cerebrale e modelli predittivi del comportamento basati su machine learning” (in English: “Multimodal analysis of brain connectivity and predictive modelling of behavior based on machine learning”), Research Supervisor Prof. Marco Zorzi

 

Purpose of the Research Grant

The purpose of this Research Grant, which is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU – through MUR PNRR fundings in the framework of the project MNESYS “A multiscale integrated approach to the study of the nervous system in health and disease” – PE00000006, Missione 4 “Istruzione e ricerca”, Componente 2 “Dalla ricerca all’impresa”, Investimento 1.3 “Creazione di Partenariati Estesi alle università, centri di ricerca, alle aziende per il finanziamento di progetti di ricerca di base”, M4C2 Spoke 2, CUP: B83C22004960002, is to grant research into:

The aim of the research fellowship is to develop analytical methods that integrate multimodal neuroimaging data at the connectome level and then derive predictions on behavior and cognition.

Activity: The research fellow will work with and contribute to the acquisition of new multimodal data (MRI, fMRI, EEG) pre-processed from healthy subjects and neurological patients. The research fellow will (i) develop an automated procedure to pre-process and analyze data from different sources in a common reference space; (ii) compare brain connectivity derived by different modalities or methods (e.g. functional vs. effective connectivity) and assess its predictivity on behavior and cognition using also machine learning methods; (iii) evaluate methods and possible benefits of integrating multimodal data.

Profile: The ideal candidate should have: (a) experience in analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging data; (b) experience in using machine learning on neuroimaging data; (c) advanced data analysis and programming skills in Python/Matlab.

 

Deadline for submitting applications

1 October 2024 at 1:00 pm CEST

 

Selection Notice

Guidelines for Submitting Applications

Decree of Acts Approval and Ranking

Plasticity, learning and memory in physiology and pathology: A navigational story

by Dr. Manuela Allegra, National Research Council and University of Padua

When: September 19, 2024, at 3:00 pm

Where: Sala Seminari VIMM (Fondazione per la Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Via Orus 2, Padova)

Abstract: The ability of the brain to reorganize its structure and function in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli is defined neuroplasticity. Plasticity of the nervous system is crucial throughout the lifespan, refining sensory systems during development, mediating learning and memory in adulthood and being the key mechanism for neuro-rehabilitation in case of injury and for the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders later in life. Using in vivo recording techniques (extracellular LFP recordings and calcium imaging), we will explore neuroplasticity in physiological and pathological conditions and we will describe how neuronal circuits of the hippocampus and neocortex can rewire their activity during learning and memory, and in response to brain injury.

2024-09-19 – Manuela Allegra