About this event
Neuroscience is a remarkably diverse field, encompassing research from molecules and cells to behaviour and brain networks. This µNEURO Symposium celebrates this broad spectrum by giving young scientists the opportunity to present their research to colleagues across the research centre and the wider neuroscience community. Through two thematic sessions, attendees will discover innovative approaches, emerging findings, and cutting-edge methodologies from different areas of neuroscience. Join us for half a day of research, discussion, and networking across disciplines.
Practical Information
Tuesday 8th of December, 2026, 10:15 - 14:45
Location: Campus Drie Eiken, Aula Q.002 (Promotiezaal)
This event is free, and open to all interested (neuroscience) researchers of the University of Antwerp.
Prior registration is required (deadline 27th of November).
Program
10:15 - 12:00 - Session 1: Cellular Mechanisms of Brain Health and Disease
Exploring how cellular architecture, mechanics, and neuronal network function shape neurological health and disease.
- dr. Biljana Ermanoska (Translational Neurosciences) – Decoding Cytoskeletal Organization: Quantitative Insights from the Drosophila Neuromuscular System
The neuromuscular junction relies on a highly organized cytoskeleton to maintain structural integrity and withstand the mechanical demands of muscle activity. Emerging evidence highlights the interplay between cytoskeletal components and integrin-mediated connections in coordinating mechanical stability and communication between neurons and muscles. Understanding these interactions provides important insights into the cellular mechanisms that maintain neuromuscular function and how their disruption may contribute to neurodegenerative processes.
- Sarah Peeters (Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology) – BAF Mobility Tunes Nuclear Mechanics to Enable Confined Invasion in Glioblastoma
- Noortje Zonnekein & dr. Lidia Carotenuto (Weckhuysen team, VIB-CMN) – Modeling KCNQ2 Encephalopathy Using iPSC-Derived Excitatory–Inhibitory Neuronal Networks
- dr. Victor Dieriks (Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology & imec-Vision Lab) – The Biology of One
What if a single cell could challenge everything we thought we knew about a disease? By looking closer at individual neurons, we have uncovered unexpected features of Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy that have been hiding in plain sight. Sometimes, the most important discoveries come not from studying thousands of cells, but from paying attention to just one.
12:00- 13:00 - Lunch
13:00 - 14:45 - Session 2: From Brain Structure to Behaviour: Imaging and Functional Biomarkers
Uncovering how brain structure, function and behaviour can be measured across scales, from preclinical models to human neuroscience.
- Andrea Estevez-Velez (Bio-Imaging Lab): Assessing the Impact of Somatic Instability Modulation on Brain (Micro)structure in the Q111 Huntington's Disease Mouse Model
In this talk, we will explore how multimodal MRI can reveal changes in brain structure in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease. By combining different MRI techniques, we investigate how the disease progresses and whether modulating somatic instability can influence these changes. Our goal is to explore the potential of MRI as a non-invasive tool for tracking disease progression and evaluating future therapeutic strategies.
- Charissa Calemi (Experimental Neurobiology Unit): Vocalisations as Early Markers for Neurodegeneration in Rodents
- dr. Monica van den Berg (Bio-Imaging Lab): Time to Wake Up : Investigating Brain (Dys)function in Awake Mice
​Preclinical functional MRI is predominantly performed under anesthesia, which alters brain activity and functional connectivity, potentially limiting the translational relevance of findings to the human brain. To overcome this limitation, I have implemented awake functional MRI in mice at the Bio-Imaging Lab, demonstrating high-quality datasets and robust functional connectivity. This approach enables the non-invasive investigation of whole-brain network function in the awake brain and provides a valuable tool to study brain function in health and disease.
- Daniel Yzuel (Imec-Vision Lab & Siemens Healthineers): Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping, Source Separation and its Application in MS
This talk introduces quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and susceptibility source separation, explaining how they provide complementary insights into tissue magnetic properties. It then explores their applications in multiple sclerosis, with a focus on distinguishing iron- and myelin- related contributions to better characterize tissue damage.
Supported by an OJO grant from Antwerp Doctoral School
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