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This school continues to foster IBRO’s mission in Africa by introducing basic principles in the field of neurochemistry and increasing awareness of brain disorders arising due to neurotoxicants. Part of the provided training will address the impact of neurotoxicants, particularly on the developing brain. The event represents an opportunity for students to develop laboratory skills via technical workshops and communication skills through individual presentations and proactive discussions.
About the school:
An important health problem in Africa is the high-level of exposure to neurotoxicants that may cause alteration of brain integrity and function. This school includes high-level courses addressing the issue of neurotoxicant-related brain disorders due to agents such as heavy metals (e.g. lead, manganese, aluminum), methylmercury, carbon disulfide, insecticides, cuprizone and other neurotoxicants present in the diet, such as cyanogens, alcohol and ammonia, particularly in the early stages of life.
The courses will address important neuropathologies including neuronopathy, axonopathy, myelinopathy, and transmission toxicity. The school will emphasize the consequences of neurotoxicants regarding morphological, neurochemical, and behavioural alterations. Molecular mechanisms involved in brain changes due to neurotoxicants, particularly those related to gene and protein abnormalities, will also be addressed.
The school will provide training in techniques used in molecular biology, including those used for evaluation of the genome and the proteome in normal and pathological states. Specifically, we will teach DNA, RNA and protein extractions, western blot, and reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques. Neuropathological demonstrations of how to assess morphological changes in brain tissues will be also addressed. Overall, the program will cover lectures on neurochemistry and neurotoxicant-related brain disease, technical workshops, communication and writing skills, and sessions comprising debates and discussions on specific case studies related to brain disorders associated with neurotoxicants.
Who should apply to this school?
- Doctoral and post-doctoral students, young researchers and teachers from African universities
- Young neurologists, doctors, or psychiatrists based in Africa
Exceptionally, students in the second year of their Master’s degree may be considered
- Applicants should not exceed 35 years of age
- A valid passport is required at least 6 months before expiration.
What costs will be covered for selected participants?
Travel, accommodation, food and local transportation
Application dates:
June 2 – July 2, 2023
School dates and location:
October 25-29, 2023
University Sultan Moulay Slimane
Morocco
Apply HERE
For any queries, please contact Dr. Samir Ahboucha at s.ahboucha@usms.ma