A batch of Australia’s brainiest young scientists are learning how to understand neural function through an advanced course at North Stradbroke Island.
The Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience (ACAN) at The University of Queensland’s Moreton Bay Research Station provides expert teaching and rigorous training to the next generation of neurophysiologists.
Professor Pankaj Sah from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute is a member of the Australasian Neuroscience Society Management Committee which administers ACAN, the leading course of its type in the Asia-Pacific region.
He said the intensive three-week learning experience was designed to inspire and equip 12 early career researchers to understand the nervous system and tackle conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases, and brain injury.
“Students in the ACAN benefit greatly from the experience as they have the opportunity to learn from senior national and international scientists on a one-on-one basis,” Professor Sah said.
“The Moreton Bay Research Station is an ideal environment for the ACAN as it provides a beautiful location and excellent facilities which attract the best young scientists and teachers from Australia and abroad.”
The three-week course will end on 4 May.
Previous participant Helen Gooch said ACAN was a career-changing experience.
“This course provided unique access to a wealth of theoretical knowledge and practical experience,” she said.
“Although my career is only just beginning, I know that the future implementation of my ACAN experiences will be critical to the production of high quality, critically sound, and relevant research.”
More than 100 early career scientists have previously completed the program, going on to successful careers in neuroscience and using the skills learned in the program to establish their own research groups and earn prestigious fellowships.
Media: Professor Pankaj Sah, Queensland Brain Institute, pankaj.sah@uq.edu.au or (07) 3346 6376
Moreton Bay Research Station (MBRS)
The Moreton Bay Research Station is 40km east of Brisbane and accessible by ferry. The Research Station is owned and operated by The University of Queensland and provides direct access to the waters of Moreton Bay and the Pacific Ocean as well as the unique terrestrial environments of the 27,700 hectare sand island.
The Research Station offers accommodation for up to 96 guests as well as modern research laboratories, tailored education programs, conference facilities, boating and diving facilities and on-site catering.
For further information about the Moreton Bay Research Station contact Kevin Townsend, Station Manager: k.townsend@uq.edu.au (07) 3409 9058
