From September 16–18, 2024, iBehave PhD students and postdoctoral researchers gathered at the scenic Haus Altenberg in Odenthal for the iBehave Summer School — an event dedicated to scientific exchange, training, and community building within the network.
Designed exclusively for early-career researchers, the summer school provided a unique platform to showcase cutting-edge projects and foster collaboration across disciplines. Participants engaged in lively scientific discussions through short talks and a vibrant poster session, offering a glimpse into the diverse research being conducted across iBehave labs.
Complementing these sessions, the program featured hands-on workshops presented by the iBehave technology platforms (CADRE, eLab, iBOTS) and two invited keynote lectures from leading researchers.
Dr. Ahmed El Hady (Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior / University of Konstanz) delivered a compelling talk on “What are foraging models good for?” His interdisciplinary research integrates neurophysiology, behavioral experimentation, and computational modeling to better understand decision-making in dynamic environments — insights that sparked engaging discussions among attendees.
Dr. Sophie Steculorum (Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research) shared her expertise in neuro-metabolism in a lecture titled “Sensory Regulation of Metabolism.” Her work on the brain’s role in regulating energy balance provided valuable perspectives on how neural circuits influence metabolic health and disease.
Beyond the scientific agenda, the Summer School emphasized networking and informal exchange, with a range of social activities fostering meaningful connections among participants.
The iBehave Summer School 2024 once again demonstrated the value of bringing together young researchers in a focused yet relaxed setting — strengthening the collaborative spirit and scientific excellence that define the iBehave network.
Photo credit: Dr. Sarah Imtiaz
Press Contact:
Dr. Sarah Imtiaz
Scientific Coordinator of iBehave Network
E-mail: sarah.imtiaz@ukbonn.de
About iBehave Network:
The iBehave Network is a collaborative research initiative focused on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying behavior. Bringing together experts from various disciplines, iBehave integrates cutting-edge neuroscience, advanced computational modeling, and innovative behavioral studies to explore how the brain processes information and drives behavior. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the network fosters collaboration across leading research institutions to advance our understanding of brain function and to translate these insights into therapeutic applications for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
