Single-Cell and Non-coding RNAs for Neuroscience

July 6th - July 12th, 2025

Aim and Scope

The 2025 edition of the Lipari School on Computational Neuroscience will explore the role of Single-Cell and Non-Coding RNAs in understanding brain function, development, and disorders. Combining computational and experimental approaches, the school will delve into cutting-edge methods like single-cell analysis and non-coding RNA research to uncover mechanisms of neural plasticity, connectivity, and evolution. Applications in neurodegeneration, aging, and brain immunology will be emphasized, alongside discussions on the ethical use and interpretation of these technologies. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the school aims to equip participants with innovative tools to address key challenges in neuroscience.

Special Seminars

  • Doron Betel - Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
    Single-cell studies of neurodegeneration and aging
  • Alessandro Cellerino - Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
    Computational and wet-lab technologies for aging monitoring and neurodegenerative diseases
  • Tommaso Pizzorusso - Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
    MicroRNAs in Neuroplasticity: Examples from Visual Cortex
  • Filippo Caruso - University of Florence, Florence, Italy
    Quantum AI for Alzheimer’s disease early screening
  • Renata Rizzo - University of Catania, Catania, Italy
  • Salvatore Alaimo - University of Catania, Catania, Italy
     

Scientific Committee

  • Rita Barone, University of Catania, Italy
  • Renata Rizzo, University of Catania, Italy
  • Alfredo Pulvirenti, University of Catania, Italy
  • Salvatore Alaimo, University of Catania, Italy
  • Giovanni Micale, University of Catania, Italy
  • Roberto Purrello, University of Catania, Italy
  • Rosa Musotto, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Alfio Puglisi, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Flavia Marino, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy

Organizing Committee

  • Simone Lanucara, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Stefania Gismondo, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Sergio Baluci, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Antonino Andrea Arnao, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Fabrizio Parnasso, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Noemi Crifò, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Giosuè Zurzolo, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Maria Valeria Maiorana, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Alice Saccà, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy
  • Giorgio Gugliotta, CNR-IRIB, Messina Unit, Italy

Travel and accommodation

The conference room (located at Hotel Giardino sul Mare, Via Maddalena, Lipari) is air-conditioned and equipped with all conference materials. In addition, special areas are reserved for students for the afternoon coursework and study. The island of Lipari can be easily reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo, Palermo, Naples, Messina, and Reggio Calabria (50 minutes from Milazzo).

Registration

Two kinds of participants are welcome.

Students: Participants expected to do afternoon coursework and take a final exam (The grades will be given following the ECTS grading scale). The course will involve a total of 24 hours of teaching. Passing the final exam gives the right to an equivalent of 6 ECTS credits in any Ph.D. program.

Auditors: participants not interested in taking the final exam.

The registration fee is 650 €. It covers the course material, bus + hydrofoil Catania airport-Lipari-Catania airport, social events, and coffee breaks. Late registration is 750 €.    
Early registration applications can be submitted up to April 30th, 2025. Late registrations will be accepted up to June 23rd, 2025

Applicants must include an updated link to an official website and a cell phone number in case of an emergency.  In case of cancellation after fee payments, a 30% penalty will be applied. Regarding credit card payments, processing fees cannot be reimbursed. Payment must be received as soon as possible, no later than June 23rd, 2025. Only wire transfers or credit card payments can be accepted.