This webinars focuses on the concept of dendritic spines as learning hubs presented by two outstanding speakers Prof. Javier DeFelipe (ES) and Prof. Valentin Nägerl (FR).

Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the Spanish founder of modern neuroscience, was the first researcher to identify dendritic spines as important neuronal structures and the role that spines play in learning and memory. Before, these tiny structures were considered mere artefacts.

More than a century after Cajal’s discovery, neuroscientists know that spines play an important role in memory acquisition and consolidation, and are the topic of cutting-edge research combining structural, physiological, and modelling studies.

The FENS Committee for Higher Education and Training (CHET) and History Committee have organised a new series of online webinars, “How concepts and techniques emerged in neuroscience: a historical perspective”, which aims to pair current trends in neuroscience, from revolutionary techniques or neuroscience concepts, with their historical roots and relevant historical figures in the field.

Project funded under the FENS call for history of neuroscience projects.

Project funded under the FENS call for history of neuroscience projects.

The Spanish scientist Pio del Rio-Hortega, disciple of Santiago Ramón y Cajal and follower of his school, was exiled in Buenos Aires, Argentina during the II World War. He continued his studies and histological characterization of glia cells and mentored many researchers in our country. rotubular system.

Project funded under the FENS call for history of neuroscience projects.

The collections held at the Trinity College Dublin Anatomy Museum include human remains from the Pathological collection and Human Anatomical Preparations, mostly dating from the 18th and 19th century. Also held are paintings, drawings and sculptures in the Dissecting Room and Lecture Theatre. Many of these items have relevance to the history of neuroscience, and since the museum is not open to the public, this online collection highlights some of the most interesting items. The website was created with funding support from a FENS History Committee Online Project grant 2020 awarded to Prof. Richard Roche (Maynooth University), with the kind assistance of Profs Áine Kelly, Evi Numen and Siobhán Ward (Trinity College Dublin).

Project funded under the FENS call for history of neuroscience projects.