Molecular Neurology and Neuropathology

19-26 June 2010

Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
This course alternates between Hinxton and Cold Spring Harbor.

***Closing date for applications extended to 19 March 2010***

Course summary

This is an intensive, discussion-based course that offers the unique opportunity to learn the latest concepts and methodologies associated with the study of human neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Stroke, Prion diseases and Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Participants will discuss in detail the strengths and weaknesses of the accumulated experimental evidence underlying our current understanding of these diseases.

Many of these diseases can be approached by first understanding human genetics, and so the course will discuss both mendelian traits and more complex situations including recent examples of the application of genome wide association studies (GWAS) to sporadic disease. The course will examine why many of these disorders share apparently common features of protein aggregation, specific vulnerability of certain classes of neuron, long incubation period and will discuss to what extent these features reflect common pathological mechanisms.The course will further explore how the underlying mechanisms may be targeted for potential diagnostic and therapeutic gain, applying lessons from genetic knowledge to inherited and sporadic diseases.

These fundamental questions will be discussed in the context of identifying the best experimental approaches to finding answers.These will include consideration of clinical and pathological data from human subjects through the use of experimental models including molecular approaches, cell biological and imaging studies, transgenic animal models including vertebrate and invertebrate models.

Extended seminars and discussion by a wide range of leading investigators will further illuminate developments in the rapidly moving field.Participation in the course will provide an essential conceptual and methodological framework for anyone intending to pursue rigorous research.

Course instructors

  • Dr Mark Cookson (National Institute on Aging, USA)
  • Professor Beverly Davidson (University of Iowa, USA)
  • Professor Harry Orr (University of Minnesota, USA)
  • Professor Nicholas Wood (Institute of Neurology, London, UK)

Guest speakers

  • John Hardy (University College London, UK)
  • Huw Morris (University of Cardiff, UK)
  • Constantino Iadecola (Cornell University, USA)
  • Dave Nelson (Baylor College of Medicine, USA)
  • Chris Shaw (Kings College London, UK)
  • Richard Youle (National Institutes of Health, USA)
  • Mathias Heikenwälder (University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland)
  • Rosa Rademakers (Mayo Clinic, USA)
  • Karen Duff (Columbia University, USA)
  • Tamas Revesz (Institute of Neurology, London, UK)

How to apply

Prerequisites
Applicants should be clinicians, postdoctoral scientists or senior PhD students actively engaged or soon to commence research related to neurodegenerative diseases.

Cost
The course tuition fees are subsidised by The Wellcome Trust for scientists or clinicians based in non-commercial institutions anywhere in the world. This is a residential course, without exception, and there is a fee of £800 towards board and lodging for academic applicants.The fee for commercial applicants is £1500.

Bursaries
Limited bursaries are available for academics (50 per cent of fee) and are subject to open competition. Please see our bursaries page for further information and Terms and Conditions.

Applications
Applicants will be required to complete an application form containing a 300-word outline of the relevance of the course to their research/clinical work. Please note that documentation supporting the application will be required from the applicant's supervisor/head of department.

To submit an application, please either:

Applications can be accepted by post, fax or email. Sponsors’ supporting letters must be returned, signed, by fax or post under separate cover. Please note that incomplete applications will be rejected.

Applications and letters of support can be sent to:

Wellcome Trust Advanced Courses
Wellcome Trust Genome Campus
Hinxton
Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA
UK

F +44 (0)1223 495130
E advancedcourses@hinxton.wellcome.ac.uk

Deadlines
Closing date for applications is 5 March 2010.

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