RSS03.23 Stress and Cognition

Stress research: an interdisciplinary approach 
Stress has a major impact on brain function. This effect is mediated by a host of neurochemical changes that act at time-scales ranging from milliseconds to years and spatial scales ranging from single molecules to large-scale neural networks. Its long-term consequences furthermore depend on a complex interplay between genes and environment that ultimately determines vulnerability or resilience for the development of psychopathology. Because of this exceptionally wide scope, research into stress inherently requires an interdisciplinary approach.

Integration of knowledge across multiple fields
The aim of this summer school is to gather together junior and senior scientists working at each of these levels to promote integration of knowledge, theory, and methodology across multiple fields. A series of high-profile speakers will address recent developments on the impact of stress on cognitive functions such as learning and memory, perception and decision-making, illustrate different methods and findings, and discuss how the molecular, cellular, and functional effects of stress may trigger or precipitate neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Course content
The summer school is targeted at national and international Master and PhD students, as well as postdocs and faculty (maximal number 100) who work on a related topic and wish to learn about the state-of-the-art and cutting-edge developments in knowledge and skills related to research into stress. Modern technologies such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, computational methods, and functional brain imaging will be addressed. The program will consist of lectures, workshops, and discussions in small groups. Students will receive a selection of background literature.

Topics include:

• Stress system regulation
• Effects of stress and emotion on memory
• Long-term effects of chronic and early-life stress
• Computational neuroscience and psychiatry
• Determinants and mechanisms of stress resilience