StratNeuro Retreat 2025: Two Days of Inspiring Neuroscience
On May 27–28, over 270 researchers, clinicians, and students gathered at the scenic Djurönäset conference center for the StratNeuro Retreat 2025
This annual event once again delivered an exciting mix of cutting-edge science, dynamic discussions, and opportunities for collaboration.
The retreat featured an exceptional scientific program with internationally renowned keynote speakers:
- György Buzsáki (NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA) captivated the audience with his talk on “Mechanisms of Memory Selection and Consolidation”, diving into how the brain prioritizes and stores information.
- Mackenzie Mathis (EPFL, Switzerland) explored “Measuring Neuro Latent Dynamics”, highlighting innovative approaches to understanding complex behaviors through computational tools.
- Conor Liston (Cornell University, USA) delivered an insightful lecture on “Probing and Rescuing Dysfunctional Brain Circuits in Depression”, sharing research that bridges neuroscience and clinical psychiatry.
In addition to the keynote lectures, the retreat featured an inspiring lineup of talks from researchers across the StratNeuro network. Topics ranged from molecular mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases and circuit-level understanding of behavior, to clinical insights in psychiatry, pain, and neuroimaging. Presenters included emerging talents and established group leaders, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the vibrant neuroscience community at KI and its affiliates.
A lively poster blitz session allowed selected PhD students to present their work in rapid 90-second pitches, sparking curiosity and follow-up discussions. The retreat also included 180 poster presentations, showcasing the diversity and quality of neuroscience research across KI.
Beyond the lectures and posters, the retreat provided a relaxed and collegial setting for exchange and reflection—helped by beautiful spring weather and tranquil archipelago views.
NeurotechEU
We were pleased to welcome representatives from NeurotechEU, the European University of Brain and Technology. The program featured three invited talks by:
- Chris Beckmann and David Norris (Radboud University Medical Centre), and
- Eva-Christina Schulte (University of Bonn),
who shared insights into their latest work and research infrastructures within the alliance. In addition, seven participants from Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), Radboud Universiteit, University of Cluj-Napoca, and Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn joined the retreat, reinforcing the growing collaboration between StratNeuro and NeurotechEU.
Prize Winners
The winner of the Best Blitz:
Yuk Kit Charles Lor, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics: Spatial Transcriptomics reveals cellular heterogeneity and neighbourhoods in a model of Multiple Sclerosis
The Runner-up for the Best Blitz:
Julie Klinke, Department of Clinical Neuroscience: A New Understanding of The Link Between Neural Plasticity and Cognitive Mechanisms in Chronic Pain Using Dense Sampling fMRI
The winner of the Best Clinical Poster:
Reza Ebrahimian Baboukani, Department of Clinical Neuroscience: Unveiling the Link Between Respiration and Pupil Dynamics: Insights from Machine Learning and Statistical Modeling
The winner of the Best Pre-Clinical Poster:
Müge Altinkök, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics: Rostral Ventromedial Medulla neurons mediate sleep deprivation-induced pain sensitivity
Aknowledgments
Big thank you to the organising commitee Konstantinos Meletis, Karin Jensen, Juan Pablo Lopez, Joana Pereira and Laura Sardon Puig
We thank everyone who contributed to making the StratNeuro Retreat 2025 a success and look forward to continuing these valuable exchanges in the years to come!
