Young Swiss Society for Neuroscience 

On February 6th, 2025, Switzerland’s neuroscience community, featuring leading academics, industry experts, and emerging researchers, convened in Lausanne for the 7th Early Researchers’ Symposium (ERS), hosted by the ySSN.

The day began with a keynote lecture by Prof. Eduardo Martin Moraud (CHUV/UNIL), who presented his team's groundbreaking work bridging engineering and neuromodulation for Parkinson’s Disease. Their research motivates scientists to explore neural biomarkers linked to locomotor deficits in patients affected by diseases like PD. 

Young researchers then took the spotlight: PhD candidates and postdocs presented their work, ranging from astrocyte dysfunction in mental health to stress response mechanisms. A particularly impressive talk on astrocytes and noradrenaline signaling in stress adaptation won Sian Nina Duss, a PhD student from the University of Zurich, the 'best talk' award as well as a brand new Nikon camera.

During the poster sessions, early-career scientists presented their work and engaged in one-on-one discussions. The top honor went to Lucas Pompe from the University of Zurich, who introduced a novel approach using Recurrent Neural Networks to analyze cortical column dynamics. 

The sponsored talk by Roche’s Senior Scientist Claudia Bonardi gave valuable insights, explaining how they bridge research and industry while managing Swiss contracts.

In the afternoon, technical workshops and roundtable discussions provided a platform for the participants to explore specific questions and troubleshoot their experimental techniques, fostering knowledge exchange between experienced PhD candidates, postdocs, and early career researchers. Workshop topics were chosen in advance based on the participant's interests.

The ERS wrapped with a public lecture by Profs. Jocelyne Bloch (CHUV-UNIL) and Grégoire Courtine (EPFL), who shared their groundbreaking work restoring neurological function in both animals and humans. To cap off the symposium, attendees gathered for an informal networking session in the local bar scene of Lausanne, sharing ideas and celebrating a day of discoveries.

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