Summer School
Our annual Summer School in brain disorders research is held at one of the world's leading centres on neuropsychiatric genetics and genomics.
This four-day course takes place at the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics at Cardiff University, usually in July.
The aim of the Summer School is to provide trainees and scientists with a grounding in brain disorders research and to inspire and inform the researchers of tomorrow.
The Summer School includes talks, demonstrations and interactive sessions on a range of topics in psychiatry, neurology and neuroscience including:
- neuroimaging
- psychiatric epidemiology
- genetics and epigenetics
- high-throughput sequencing demonstrations
- manipulation of stem cells
- phenotypic assessments
- ethics in genetic research
The Summer School also includes workshops on scientific careers and academic fellowships.
Programme
This year's course will take place between 8-11 July 2019.
See our programme below, which is subject to change:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | Registration and lunch |
| 13:00 | Introduction Prof James Walters |
| 13:10 | Why this is the best time for neuroscience in psychiatry? Prof Jeremy Hall |
| 13:55 | Using MRI to understand mental disorders Dr Xavier Caseras |
| 14:40 | Principles of high-throughput sequencing: sample preparation, equipment Prof Nigel Williams |
| 15:10 | High-throughput sequencing tour: lab tours in small groups / coffee Dr Lesley Bates and Joanne Morgan |
| 16:30 | High-throughput sequencing tour: analysis and interpretation of sequencing data Dr Elliott Rees |
| 17:15 | Check-in for those with booked accommodation - you will be escorted from Hadyn Ellis |
| Time | Activity | |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 | Breakfast provided in the Hadyn Ellis building | |
| 09:00 | Developmental disorders, child and adolescent psychiatry Prof Stephan Collishaw | |
| 10:00 | Copy number variations (CNVs) in neurodevelopmental disorders Prof George Kirov | |
| 10:45 | Coffee | |
| 11:15 | Neuroimaging the impact of drugs of abuse Prof Anne Lingford-Hughes | |
| 12:00 | Understanding the neurobiology of addiction to inform treatment Prof Anne Lingford-Hughes | |
| 12:45 | Lunch | |
| 13:45 | Bipolar disorder, postpartum psychosis and the Bipolar Disorder Research Network (BDRN) Prof Ian Jones | |
| 14:45 | The genetics of movement disorders Dr Kathryn Peall | |
| 15:00 | Coffee | |
| 15:30 | Big data and GWAS Prof James Walters | |
| 16:15 | Imaging Epilepsy Dr Khalid Hamandi |
18:00 Social evening: a meal at Cosy Club in Cardiff city centre
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:00 | Breakfast provided in the Hadyn Ellis building |
| 09:00 | Measuring risk for Alzheimer's Disease Prof Valentina Escott-Price |
| 09:45 | Emerging technologies (CRISPR-Cas9); single cell sequencing and others) Prof Adrian Harwood |
| 10:30 | Making neurons from stem cell: lab tours in small groups/coffee Prof Adrian Harwood |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 | Epigenetics and the brain Dr Anthony Isles |
| 13:45 | Huntington's disease: translating genetics into therapies Dr Tom Massey |
Students split into two groups: medics and non-medics, and swap workshops
| Time | Activity | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 | Workshop: Research careers in medicine Dr Judith Harrison and Dr Kristina Harrison (MRC London) | Neuroimaging tour for non-medical scientists Dr Tom Lancaster |
| 15:45 | Workshop: Careers for non-medical scientists Dr Anthony Isles and Dr Kristina Harrison (MRC London) | Neuroimaging tour for medical scientists Dr Tom Lancaster |
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:45 | Check out of accommodation - check bags into Hadyn Ellis reception |
| 08:00 | Breakfast provided in the Hadyn Ellis reception |
| 09:00 | Workshop: Social and ethical aspects of genetic research Dr Andrew Cuthbert |
| 10:15 | Using stem cells to restore cognitive function in epilepsy Dr Malik Zaben |
| 11:00 | Coffee |
| 11:15 | Major breakthroughs in schizophrenia genetics provide insights into pathogenesis Prof Sir Michael Owen |
| 11:50 | The future of mental health research in Cardiff Prof Sir Michael Owen |
| 12:30 | Lunch and farewell |
Speakers
The programme will be delivered by experts in their respective fields.
- Professor Sir Michael Owen
- Professor Nigel Williams
- Professor Ian Jones
- Dr Anthony Isles
- Dr Will Davies
- Dr Elliot Rees
- Dr Xavier Caseras
- Professor Jeremy Hall
- Professor Lawrence Wilkinson
- Professor Adrian Harwood
- Professor George Kirov
- Professor Anne Lingford-Hughes
- Prof Stephan Collishaw
- Prof James Walters
- Dr Kathryn Peall
- Dr Judith Harrison
- Professor William Gray
- Dr Andrew Cuthbert
Who can apply?
The Summer School is aimed at clinical trainees (Foundation/Core/Specialty Training) and non-clinical scientists (MSc, PhD, Post Doc) who are interested in moving into the field of neuropsychiatric genetics and genomics, or those who want an introduction to brain disorders research.
How to apply
Applications for the MRC CNGG Summer School 2019 are now open.
To apply please send us a short CV and cover letter, maximum 750 words, stating why you want to attend the Summer School and how you think it will benefit you.
The deadline for applications has been extended to 7 June 2019.
It is free to attend the Summer School but please note travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.
Accommodation
Free student accommodation is available for attendees travelling from outside Cardiff.
Contact
For more information, please contact us:
