European neuroscience meets the snow

Abstract

FENS, the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, was launched in 1998 at its first Forum Meeting in Berlin. In addition to its large biennial meetings, FENS emphasizes the importance of small didactic conferences that support intense interaction between participants. FENS schools house about 40 young scientists and some 25 senior scientists for a one-week period of lectures and poster sessions. FENS short courses emphasize practical work and, therefore, cater for only about 15 students. Both the schools and short courses have been successful from their inception. The summer school in Elba (1999) on ‘Degeneration and Regeneration in the CNS: from Biology to Disease’, organized by P.R. Bär and M. di Luca, was attended by 23 lecturers and 37 students. For this first FENS winter school, 40 out of 117 student applications were accepted. Likewise, the EMBL/FENS short course held in Edinburgh (1999) on ‘Mouse Transgenics and Behaviour’ (organized by R.G.M. Morris and D. Wolfer) accommodated 16 of a total of 40 applications, matched by a faculty of 19 lecturers and nine demonstrators. Overall, these figures indicate a strong demand for such activities. The next FENS summer and winter schools are due in 2001 and are planned every other year thereafter, interlacing with the FENS Forum Meetings. FENS short courses may take place on an annual basis, with more than one course per year. Those interested in organizing a either a school or short course should direct their inquiries to: