Neuro-SysMed's Research School

3 ECTS (started 2023, running continuously). The objective of the symposium series is to provide the PhD candidates with valuable skills in oral presentation techniques while presenting their own research as well as dissemination of the research of others, provide opportunities to engage in scientific discussions, and to take advantage of peer reviews and comments to strengthen the scientific quality of own research and scientific thinking. A main ambition is also to strengthen the scientific networks and to encourage candidates to establish relations with scientists. The symposia are organised 4 times annually, twice every semester. Each symposium is organised with a keynote lecture initially (45 min), followed by 4 PhD candidates/postdoctoral researchers who present their work (25 min each, including the oral presentation and discussion). Subsequently, there will be final discussions. The presentations will be of own research with special attention to presentation techniques and quality. The symposia are chaired by coordinators recruited from postdocs and PhD candidates within Neuro-SysMed. Attendance provides 3 ECTS if the candidate has participated in minimum 4 symposia, written and submitted 4 scientific reports of scientific presentations at the symposia, and presented own research at one of the symposia. See more info on the student pages: NEUROSYSM910, the Neuro-SysMed Junior Scientist Symposium.

See also an overview of all previous Junior Scientist Symposia on this page.

2 ECTS (started 2023, running on demand). This 2 ECTS course in Precision Medicine (PM) provides valuable knowledge and understanding about key features and concepts related to PM, suffering, disease, and health in different research traditions. Through a broad scope of literature, seminars, and cases brought from the participants’ research projects, this course aims to facilitate reflection and deliberation on central philosophical and normative issues in the social organisation and practices of PM. Key concepts are utilised to open up the PM paradigm for philosophical criticism and reflection, thus contributing to a knowledge culture of PM where central philosophical, societal, and ethical issues, dilemmas, ambiguities, and controversies are addressed. The course is open for researchers, postdocs, PhD students, Master students, students enrolled in the Medical Student Research Program and others interested in the topic. Find more info on the student pages: NEUROSYSM940, The Nature of Disease and Suffering and the Goals of Precision Medicine.

3 ECTS (started 2022, running continuously). This course is organised with monthly seminars and an annual compulsory 2-day international Neuro-SysMed Symposium in the autumn at Solstrand Hotel. The objective is to provide knowledge on research of the Neuro-SysMed focus fields of MS, PD, dementia, and ALS, and treatment strategies for these diseases. The participants gain knowledge about the affiliated diseases, learn how clinical trials and treatment strategies are conducted, get acquainted with terminology and methods used in a broad range of scientific conduct, and learn to evaluate state-of-the-art scientific breakthroughs at Neuro-SysMed. The course is open for researchers, postdocs, PhD candidates, Master students, students enrolled in the Medical Student Research Program, and others interested in the topics. See more info on the student pages: NEUROSYSM920, Neuro-SysMed Seminars and Symposium. 

3 ECTS (started 2022, running annually). This course focuses on practical aspects and methodological considerations necessary when dealing with human-derived data, such as data sensitivity, limited sample sizes, sample misclassification, choice of appropriate statistical models, covariates, and tissue heterogeneity. The course is highly beneficial for participants with a research interest in bioinformatics, biology, medicine, or clinical research in general. It is open to researchers, postdocs, PhD students, Master students, students enrolled in the Medical Student Research Program, and others interested in the topic. See more on the student pages: NEUROSYSM930, Applied Bioinformatics and Data Analysis in Medical Research.

2 ECTS (started 2021, running on demand). This course aims to inspire increased user participation in research trials and will present methods on how to involve user representatives. This is highly relevant to all biomedical research fields, and Patient and Public Involvement is documented to positively impact the relevance and efficacy in medical research. The main objective of the course is to develop the participants’ capacity to assess and convey the value of patient and public involvement in general, as well as to promote productive user involvement in their own research projects. The course spans over 3 days, was held for the first time November 3-5, 2021, provides 2 ECTS and combines plenary discussions and group sessions involving user representatives and patient organisations, with presentations from national and international lecturers. The course is a collaboration between Neuro-SysMed, CCBIO, REMEDY, NorHEAD, MATRIX, NorCRIN and FORMI, and the project is supported by the Dam Foundation through the Norwegian Health Association. See more on the student pages: CCBIONEUR910, Patient and Public Involvement in Medical and Health Research.

2 ECTS (started 2021, running on demand). The completed program qualifies for a Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certificate and covers several aspects of clinical trials – from design planning to execution – with learning examples from cancer research and neurological research alike. The course go through topics such as study design, the pharmaceutical company perspective, the patient’s perspective, ethics, GCP overview and concepts, practical running of a clinical trial, formalities and regulations, writing a protocol, applications and funding, contracts, translational research protocols, clinical trials as part of normal clinical operations, success factors and clinical trials in the future. In addition to being one of the few GCP courses that is taught in English in Norway, it is also providing 2 ECTS for UiB students. See more on the student pages: CCBIONEUR911, Clinical Trials.

4 ECTS (started 2021, running on demand). The course aims to teach PhD candidates and other researchers how to recognize the close connection between research findings and innovation potential. The course uses examples from our own research environments as well as internationally, to showcase the practical route from idea to patent – and beyond. The overall aim of this course is to encourage and enable our PhD students and young researchers to identify and evaluate the innovation potential in their own research projects, and provide them with the knowledge needed to be able to do this. The course provides inspiration and practical knowledge on alternative ways to realize the innovation potential from research projects.  See more on the student pages: CCBIONEUR912, Health Innovation.