GRK 1156:  From synaptic plasticity to behavioural modulation in genetic model organisms

• Subject Area: Neurosciences
• Term: from 2005 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 802859

The University of Würzburg, the Department of Biophysics in Beijing and the Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai, run a programme for joint research and education in functional neurobiology. Combining the expertise in behavioural and cellular neuroscience in Wuerzburg and Beijing with the experience on systems for studying synaptic plasticity established in Shanghai the programme promotes the understanding of how plasticity on the molecular, synaptic and cellular level orchestrates behaviour.The Research Training Group emphasizes:-- the unique methodological contribution of genetic model organisms in analysing brain function-- the importance of behavioural analysis for understanding the brain-- the opportunities of identifying the molecular and cellular organisation underlying behaviourAt both locations, the students are embedded in a large neuroscience community which provides further education in fields not represented within the research groups. The Research Training Group in particular offers students the opportunity to perform a part of their research in the partner institutions in Germany or China, respectively.

• DFG Programme: International Research Training Groups
• International Connection: China
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• IRTG-Partner Institution: Chinese Academy of Sciences ; Institute of Biophysics; Chinese Academy of Sciences ; Institute of Neuroscience
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Erich Buchner; Professor Dr. Martin Heisenberg; Professor Dr. Klaus-Peter Lesch; Professor Dr. Roland H. Strauß
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Yu-Qiang Ding; Professor Shumin Duan, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Aike Guo; Professor Dr. Li Liu; Professor Dr. Mu-ming Poo; Professor Dr. Yizheng Wang; Professor Dr. Tian-Le Xu; Professor Dr. Xu Zhang
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Michael A. Sendtner, since 10/2008