Advanced Technologies for Unravelling the Structure–Function Relationship in Bioengineered Neural Networks

Dove e quando

Camogli, Genoa (Italy) -- 11-12 June 2026

Camogli
                                                                                 Camogli, Genoa (Italy).

 

About the Workshop

Workshop on Neural Engineering and Micro- and Nano-technologies

This two-day workshop introduces participants to the main technologies for designing, building, and analyzing 2D and 3D bioengineered neural networks. Through hands-on laboratory and computer-based sessions on biomaterials, brain-on-a-chip systems, electrophysiology, and advanced imaging, participants will gain practical familiarity with state-of-the-art methods and develop a critical understanding of how structure relates to function in in vitro neural models.

Scientific and educational relevance

Understanding how neural structure relates to function is one of the central challenges in modern neuroscience and bioengineering. This workshop introduces participants to the most advanced technologies used to design, build, and analyze bioengineered neural networks in both 2D and 3D environments.

Unlike traditional lecture-based courses, this workshop emphasizes hands-on learning, offering participants the opportunity to work directly with biomaterials, brain-on-a-chip systems, electrophysiological recordings, and advanced imaging techniques. Through guided laboratory sessions and data analysis activities, attendees will develop both technical skills and critical thinking in interpreting experimental results.

The program is designed to bridge theory and practice: a single introductory session on the state of the art in in vitro neural technologies will provide the necessary conceptual foundation before participants engage in practical laboratory and computational work.

Workshop format

The workshop prioritizes experiential learning through:

  • Hands-on laboratory sessions

  • Computer-based data analysis activities

  • Direct interaction with experts and researchers

  • Small-group discussions and collaborative problem-solving

To ensure meaningful engagement and effective training, the workshop will be conducted exclusively in person.

Program 

Day 1 – Theory & Lab

Day 2 – Lab & Data Analysis

Theoretical Session

  • Talk #1 – Building the scaffold: Biomaterials for engineered neural networks

  • Talk #2 – Engineering the Brain-on-a-Chip: Bridging biology and technology

  • Talk #3 – Seeing the unseen: Challenges and opportunities in imaging cellular models of the human brain

Laboratory Activities

  • Lab #1 – From polymers to platforms: Preparing scaffolds for in vitro networks

  • Lab #2 – From cells to spikes: Hands-on electrophysiological recordings

Laboratory Activity

  • Lab #3 – Advanced Imaging for in vitro 3D Constructs

Practical Data Analysis Session

  • Activity #1 – Designing the scaffold: Digital tools for biomaterial characterization

  • Activity #2 – Silent Patterns, Hidden Rhythms: Exploring MEA datasets

  • Activity #3 – Algorithms of image processing for dealing with microscopy datasets

Eligibility & Selection

This workshop is open to graduate students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers with a background or strong interest in neuroscience, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or related disciplines.

A maximum of 20 participants will be selected based on a motivational letter. The motivational letter must be submitted by April 10th, 2026, and sent to martina.brofiga@unige.it. 

Selected participants will be notified by April 20th, 2026.

Organizers

  • Dr. Martina Brofiga – University of Genoa (Neuroengineering Genoa Group)

  • Dr. Donatella Di Lisa – University of Genoa (Neuroengineering Genoa Group)

  • Prof. Chiara Magliaro – University of Pisa

Sponsors

This workshop is made possible thanks to the support of our institutional and scientific partners, whose contribution fosters high-quality training and innovation in the fields of Neural Engineering and Micro- and Nano-technologies.

Institutional Sponsors:

  • University of Genoa

  • Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa

Scientific & Technical Partners:
(to be announced)

If you are interested in sponsoring this workshop or collaborating with us, please contact:
📧 martina.brofiga@unige.it