Bergen Research School in Inflammation - BRSI

BRSI was formally established in 2005 as the first research school at the Medical Faculty and one of the first at the University of Bergen. The research school is lead by Professor Helena Harris, Head of the Broegelmann Research Laboratory and provides courses and arranges lectures with respected experts in their field. 

Inflammation is used by the body to fight infection and heal injuries. However if not properly controlled inflammation may cause illness. 5 to 7% of the world's population has an immune mediated inflammatory disease (IMID). IMID consist of a diverse range of diseases but they all have uncontrolled inflammation in common. Uncontrolled inflammation can lead to organ damage and is associated with increased morbidity and/or mortality.  The study of the biology of inflammation hence has the potential to benefit suffers from a diverse set of diseases commonly associated with its dysregulation.  

Primary objectives

The research school offers courses, seminars and workshops with the aim of improving the quality of PhD and post-graduate training in inflammation. Additionally the research school aims to encourage collaboration and open discussion among students and researchers working in the field.

In practice

The research school courses are available for all students interested in the field of inflammation. In accordance with its objectives, BRSI provides a hub for junior researchers within various areas of inflammation associated fields scattered throughout the University of Bergen. We offer a range of courses to strengthen inflammation and immunological education at the University of Bergen. Further researchers, clinicians, students, PhD candiates and postdocs from different research groups are given the opportunity to meet and discuss theirs and others research. The opportunity to discuss their own work to a larger more diverse group allows stronger feedback, support, reflection and critical evaluation than a researcher may otherwise recieve within their research group alone.

Courses

Regular lectures are held with invited speakers from external institutions, providing networking opportunities for both early-career and senior researchers. One-on-one meetings are arranged to facilitate research discussions.

ECTS-accredited courses and informal workshops are organized through the research school, offering opportunities for master's students and PhD candidates to develop subject-specific knowledge. All courses are officially approved by the University of Bergen, and taught in English. 

More information about the course and enrolment can be accessed by clicking the respective course links.

• HUIMM320 - Basic Immunology (5 ECTS), 2 week intensive course, given twice a year (spring/fall). A course designed to provide students with a sound introduction to modern, basic human immunology.
• HUIMM901 - Project seminars in Immunology (3 ECTS), Project seminars, runs continuous throughout the spring and autumn semester. Students and participants present their own research projects throughout the semester and engage in discussions.
• HUIMM902 - Journal club and watch (3 ECTS), Journal Club, runs continuous throughout the spring and autumn semester. Students and participants critically evaluate and present a current research paper and engage in discussions.
• HUIMM306A/906A - Molecular and cellular methods in immunology (8 ECTS), 4 week methodology course taking place every late spring/early summer. Students get hands-on experience in methods commonly used in immunology research including cell culture, Western blot, ELISA and PCR. Students critically evaluate the strength and weaknesses of these methods with the assistance of senior researcher.
• HUIMM905 - Advanced Immunology course, variable theme (3 ECTS), 3-5 day intensive lecture workshop, taking place biannual. Varying content, invited speakers with expertise in the workshop theme give an up-to-date view of their work within the field. An informal atmosphere where students have the chance to network and socialize with their peers and senior researchers.
• HUIMM307 - Basic course in Flow Cytometry (5 ECTS), 1 week intensive practical course in flow cytometry, taking place every spring. Students get hands-on experience conducting and analysing the results of basic flow cytometry assays including quantification of apoptotic cells, cell cycle analysis, immune cell phenotyping and identification of transfected cells.