Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience
The Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience (ACAN) is an intensive three-week course that teaches the theory and practice of electrophysiological recording and optical imaging techniques. Our Australasian and International faculty will guide each participant in the latest research methods in cellular and systems neuroscience. During the course, each participant will become proficient in patch-clamp recording, calcium imaging, optogenetics, and many other techniques through unbridled access to state-of-the-art equipment. Thanks to the generous support of The Finkel Foundation, ACAN 2020 will feature a dedicated 2-photon imaging / electrophysiology setup, which will complement an array of in vitro and in vivo recording techniques.
ACAN 2020 will bring together International and prominent faculty from across Australia and New Zealand to teach cutting-edge neruoscience research techniques.
The first week introduces participants to the theoretical basis of neuronal function, principles and practice of electrophysiological recording and in vivo recording techniques.

In the second week, the course covers fundamentals of synaptic transmissions, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory which provides participants with a clear understanding of neuronal network operations.

In the final week, participants learn about the principles of neuronal imaging, practice advanced optical imaging techniques and master techniques in optogenetic control of neuronal circuits.

Throughout the course students will also carry out a small research project of their own choosing. This might be a pilot experiment for research you wish to conduct in your own lab.
The course is limited to a maximum of
14 participants who must be one of a:
The course is heavily subsidised but a fee of A$5250 (incl GST) is required which covers:
FENS and NZ Scholarships are available.
Applications must include the following attachments:
The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand is pleased to announce that it will be offering scholarships to New Zealand-based beginning neuroscientists to allow them to participate in the Australian Course in Advanced Neuroscience (ACAN). Awards of up to $1,000 per attendee will be provided. Applicants should be either NZ citizens or hold permanent residency. It is important that applicants secure the necessary additional funding from their host institution before applying. The ACAN organizers will select the participants and then the Foundation will enter into discussions with the successful New Zealand-based applicants.
Dr Douglas Ormrod
Scientific Secretary
Neurological Foundation of New Zealand
PO Box 110022
Auckland 1030
Ph: [64 9] 309 7749
Fax: [64 9] 377 0614
E-mail: douglas.ormrod@neurological.org.nz
Web: http://www.neurological.org.nz
The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies is pleased to announce that it will be offering 2000 EUR travel scholarships to facilitate the attendance of early career European neuroscientists to ACAN 2020. The ACAN organizers will select European participants and FENS will enter into discussions with the successful European applicants.
Leading scientists from around the world generously contribute their time and expertise to ACAN on a voluntary basis to provide high quality instruction in the latest neuroscience techniques.
I would definitely recommend ACAN to other neuroscientists. I feel like I levelled up as a scientist over the three weeks of the course. It was intensive and challenging, but one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. The quality of the teaching and instruction is incredible, the scientists that visit are world experts in their field, and quite often the discoverers of the theory they are teaching.
ACAN Director and Course Coordinator
Founded by Australia's Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, ACAN has been running for over 10 years. The Australasian Neuroscience Society (ANS) formally took over responsibility for ACAN from the Finkel Foundation in 2009.
ACAN is held annually at the University of Queensland's Moreton Bay Research Station (MBRS) situated on North Stradbroke Island near Brisbane.
Each student will have a private study-bedroom located at the MBRS. Course faculty will be accommodated in nearby houses. Most meals will be provided by professional caterers at the MBRS, with some meals at local restaurants.
For any enquiries or further information regarding ACAN, please contact the ACAN Director by calling or sending an email.
(07)3346-6352