Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Diseas

Biomarkers are increasingly required for effective research into neurodegenerative diseases. They are critical for diagnosis, disease monitoring and will be key for measuring target engagement of disease modifying therapies.

PhD students working in the field of neurodegeneration require a working knowledge of a range of biomarkers to correctly interpret scientific literature and to design and conduct successful and ambitious research studies.  

BarcelonaBeta Brain Research Center, University College London, and University of Gothenburg are leading international centres with complementary expertise in fluid and imaging biomarkers. This collaboration would be expected to strengthen the quality of biomarker training across the different institutions and beyond, as well as fostering new research collaborations and providing delegates with outstanding networking opportunities. 

Speakers

We are excited to host a truly outstanding panel of world-leading speakers:

• Ulf Andreasson (UGOT)
• Maura Malpetti (Ucambridge)
• Nicholas Ashton (UGOT/KCL)
• Olivia Belvin (Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau)
• Kaj Blennow (UGOT) 
• Martina Callaghan (UCL)
• Frances-Catherine Quevenco (Altoida)
• Jeffrey Cummings (Cleveland Clinic/UCLA)
• Raquel Sánchez-Valle (Hospital Clínic Barcelona)
• Michael Donohue (University of Southern California)
• Paul Edison (Imperial College)
• Mariana Fontes (Olink Proteomics)
• Nick Fox (UCL)
• Johan Gobom (UGOT)
• Jörg Hanrieder (UGOT/UCL)
• Sir John Hardy (UCL)
• Inge Verberk (VUMC)
• William Jagust (University of California, Berkeley)
• Tammaryn Lashley (UCL)
• Mark Lubberink (Uppsala University)
• Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren (Lund University)
• Jonathan Schott (UCL)
• Kristin Wildsmith (Eisai)
• Henrik Zetterberg (UGOT/UCL)
• Ann Brinkmalm (UGOT)

Aim of the Course

This course aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the dynamic field of biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease.

Desired learning outcomes

Upon completing this workshop participants will be expected to achieve a broad understanding of the following advanced brain imaging and neurochemistry technologies used as research and clinical tools in neurodegenerative diseases:

• Neurochemistry (liquid-based biomarkers)
• Biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid
• Biomarkers in blood
• Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
• Digital biomarkers

The PhD student will be able to:

• Explain basic concepts in image-based and fluid-based biomarker research.
• Describe how different biomarkers relate to each other in a temporal, pathogenic, and regional (anatomical) context of different neurodegenerative diseases.
• Conduct the planning of a project within their own research area where the use of the discussed biomarkers is described.
• Use basic tools to evaluate biomarker data.
• Interpret biomarker profiles in different neurodegenerative diseases.
• Understand when particular biomarkers/methods can & cannot be applied. 
• Analyse the predictive value of the respective biomarkers in different conditions.

Targeted Audience

PhD students, clinicians or neuroscientists, with a background in the biological or engineering sciences. 

Eligibility

The course is aimed at PhD candidates, 50 positions available. No exclusion criteria, but registration process will include a pre-registration stage with final confirmation after reviewing all applications.

Cost and booking information

Students will be expected to contribute 250 EUR (+ taxes) to participate. This will be payable upon admission. Coffee breaks and lunch included. Travel expenses and accommodation will not be covered by the organization. A list of affordable accommodation will be provided on admission.

Key dates and deadlines

• Pre-registration opens: 20 February 2023
• Deadline for applications: 24 March 2023
• Confirmation of accepted participants: 31 March 2023
• Deadline for payment: 14 April 2023
• Course opens: 15 May 2023
• Social dinner (included for all participants): 17 May 2023
• Career event: 18 May 2023
• Course ends: 19 May 2023

Course directors

• Dr Marc Suárez-Calvet, BBRC
• Dr Marta del Campo, BBRC
• Dr Michael Schöll, Associate Professor, UGOT/ UCL
• Dr Ross Paterson, Senior Clinical Research Fellow, UCL

Course organisation

• Ms Romina Garrido, BBRC
• Ms Eva M Palacios, BBRC

Contact:

For any queries about the course, please contact Course Organisers:

• Mrs. Romina Garrido (rgarrido@barcelonabeta.org)
• Dr Eva M Palacios (epalacios@barcelonabeta.org) 

If you are interested in sponsoring the course, please contact Mrs. Romina Garrido (rgarrido@barcelonabeta.org)