In a significant step towards advancing neuroscience research and education, the GEMSTONE Project successfully organized a hands-on Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) Workshop aimed at unravelling the complexities of neuronal network functionality.
Held on 26-27 November 2024 at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University (ACU), the workshop provided a platform for students, researchers, and academics to gain expertise in cutting-edge electrophysiological recording systems and data analysis techniques.
Enhancing neuroscience capabilities with cutting-edge technology
The GEMSTONE Project recently hosted a ground-breaking MEA Hands-On Workshop on Unravelling Neuronal Network Functionality with Advanced Recording Systems on 26-27 November 2024 at the ACU Kerem Aydinlar Campus. This workshop, a collaborative effort between ACU, 3Brain, and the Horizon Europe-funded GEMSTONE Project, provided participants with a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of neuronal network functional analysis using cutting-edge electrophysiological technologies.
Bringing together experts and enthusiasts
The two-day workshop brought together 15 in-house participants – including students, researchers, and academics from ACU’s Medical School and Molecular Biology and Genetics Department – along with 5 external participants from other academic institutions, including Medipol University, Marmara University, and Istanbul University. In total, 20 attendees, including undergraduate and PhD students as well as academic staff, engaged in a comprehensive program designed to enhance their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in neuronal network analysis.
Day 1: Introduction and practical demonstrations
The first day of the workshop began with a warm welcome and an introduction to the objectives of the event by the GEMSTONE Principal Investigator, Prof. Filiz Onat of ACU. The morning sessions featured insightful presentations by leading experts. Dr. Jenny Wickham from Lund University kicked off the program with her session on “Introducing Electrophysiology: From Single Cell to Network,” offering a thorough overview of neuronal network structures and functions. This was followed by Dr. Sercan Deniz from 3Brain, who delivered engaging presentations on “First Steps into Multiunit Recording Array: Electrophysiological Imaging” and “Applications by 3Brain,” highlighting the capabilities of CMOS-MEA technology and showcasing demo recordings. The afternoon was dedicated to practical demonstrations, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience with network-level recording setups and data acquisition tools. The day concluded with an interactive Q&A session and a summary of key learnings.
Day 2: Hands-on training in electrophysiology
The second day was entirely devoted to hands-on training in electrophysiology and advanced data analysis. Participants recorded extracellular activity from coronal brain sections of PN10-14 GAERS rats, guided by the expertise of facilitators. This session enabled attendees to capture network activity, perform initial data analyses, and identify synchronization patterns. The workshop concluded with a wrap-up discussion, providing a platform for participants to share their observations, clarify doubts, and explore future applications of the techniques learned.
Online follow-up for advanced data analysis
Building on the success of the in-person sessions, an online data analysis session was held on 19 December 2024, led by Dr. Sercan Deniz of 3Brain. This follow-up session allowed participants to analyse the recordings taken during the workshop and deepen their understanding of advanced data processing techniques.
A step forward in GEMSTONE’s mission
The MEA Hands-On Workshop exemplifies GEMSTONE’s commitment to advancing ACU’s research and innovation capacities in neuroscience and gene engineering technologies. By fostering collaboration with leading institutions such as Lund University and 3Brain, the project ensures knowledge transfer and skill development in strategic areas of neurodevelopmental brain disorder research. The workshop not only enhanced the technical expertise of participants but also strengthened ACU’s position within the global neuroscience community, paving the way for future collaborative research and innovation.
Amplifying impact through best practices
The success of this workshop underscores the pivotal role of initiatives like GEMSTONE in bridging disparities among research institutions, enhancing scientific productivity, and cultivating a competitive and visible academic environment. The lessons learned and best practices established during the project will serve as valuable resources for other institutions, further amplifying the impact of ACU’s contributions to neuroscience and biomedical research.
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