Connectionists: ACAN 2016 - Call for Applications

[Geoff Goodhill]

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in using electrophysiological and optical techniques in their research are encouraged to apply for the Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience (ACAN) 2016, which will be held from 10th to 30th of April 2016 at the Moreton Bay Research Station, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia.

ACAN is an intensive three-week course that guides participants through the theory and practice of electrophysiological recording and optical imaging techniques using a unique balance of small group lectures and hands-on laboratory work. Lectures from leading faculty will outline in an informal atmosphere the theoretical basis of cellular and systems neuroscience, and the principles of electrophysiological and optical recording techniques. During the course each participant will become proficient in patch-clamp recording, both in vitro and in vivo, calcium imaging, optogenetics, and many other techniques through unbridled access to state-of-the-art equipment, guided by the faculty. The course is also a lot of fun, with many ACAN students developing close friendships and collaborations during and after the course.

In 2016 ACAN faculty will include:

Cliff Abraham
Ehsan Arabzadeh
George Augustine
Brad Baker
John Bekkers
Yossi Buskila
Vincent Daria
Alan Finkel
Andreas Frick
Yukiko Goda
Geoff Goodhill
Brett Graham
Maarten Kole
Matthew Larkum
Joe Lynch
Peregrine Osborne
Lucy Palmer
Steve Petrou
Chris Reid
Mala Shah
Stephen Williams

Twelve students will be selected to attend ACAN 2016. The application deadline is Monday 11th Jan 2016. For full details about the course, including the program, please visit: http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au   

In order to apply for ACAN 2016, you must: be a currently-enrolled PhD student, a postdoctoral fellow, or junior faculty (preferably with no more than 5 years after completing your PhD).

Preference will be given, but is not exclusive, to those who are full-time residents of Australia or NZ (but you do not need to be a citizen or permanent resident of those countries).

In your application you should include:

- a completed application form (obtained from http://acan.qbi.uq.edu.au) 
- your CV.
- a covering letter that clearly states how you will apply the skills taught at ACAN to your research.
- a reference from your supervisor, including a confirmation that funds are available to allow you to attend the course.
- The fee for ACAN 2016 is A$4500, which covers all meals, accommodation, laboratory supplies and teaching materials. Scholarships from the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand are available for NZ citizens/permanent residents.

Please send applications to:

Prof Stephen Williams
Queensland Brain Institute
Email: srw at uq.edu.au
http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/group-leader-williams