BNA Training: Model systems in neuroscience research – the what, why and when?

BNA Event - 5th Nov 2025

Date: 5th November 2025, 13:00 – 16:00 (Online webinar)

Title: Model systems in neuroscience research – the what, why and when?

Overview:

A diverse range of model organisms and systems have played a vital role in illuminating fundamental aspects of neuroscience, elucidating disease mechanisms and in drug discovery for neurological disorders. Neuroscience researchers often have a deep affinity for the model system they primarily use, but as technologies continue to evolve and new techniques emerge, we need to ask ourselves:

Are we always using the best model system to answer our scientific question?

Are we missing valuable opportunities in to adapt our preferred models or incorporate novel approaches that are used in other model systems?

Can we break down our “model system” silos to accelerate the impact of our research?

With these questions in mind, this training session will be presented by experts with experience across a wide range of different model organisms and systems used in neuroscience research. They will highlight areas of value for each model, recent research advances made using the models and some of the challenges.

Attendees of the session will gain new insight into the value that a range of model systems can bring to your own research, as well as insight into the practicalities of using the different models. It will also provide an opportunity for you to ask questions to researchers who have a breadth of experience of using these models. Open research questions and areas for exploration by the neuroscience leaders of tomorrow will also be discussed.

All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.

Speakers: 

Dr Alex Benedetto (Lancaster University)

Professor Caroline Brennan (Queen Mary University of London)

Dr Sue Broughton (Lancaster University):

Dr Neil Dawson (Lancaster University)

Dr Cheryl Hawkes (Lancaster University)

Dr Sandrine Willaime-Morawek (University of Southampton)

Schedule

13:00 – Dr Alex Benedetto (Lancaster University): Caenorhabditis elegans (Worms)

13:20 – Dr Sue Broughton (Lancaster University): Drosophila melanogaster ( Flies)

13:40 – Prof Caroline Brennan (Queen Mary University of London): Zebrafish

14:00 – 14:20: Panel Discussion:

“What next for our model systems – where will future research leaders take us?”

14:20 – 14:40 – Break

14:40 – Dr Neil Dawson (Lancaster University): Mice

15:00 – Dr Cheryl Hawkes (Lancaster University): Rats

15:20 – Dr Sandrine Willaime-Morawek (University of Southampton): Human iPSCs

15:20 – 16:00: Panel Q&A: “Your questions answered”

Meeting fees

BNA member Undergraduate: £30

BNA member Postgraduate/ ECR: £75

BNA member Full / Industry: £95

Non-member: £160

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