NeurotechEU Autumn School: Advancements in Experimental Microsurgery

NeurotechEU invites students, researchers and teachers to take part in the Autumn School “Advancements in Experimental Microsurgery”, taking place from 19 to 30 October 2026, in a blended format combining online learning with hands-on training at the “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Developed by the “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, in collaboration with Karolinska Institutet and Boğaziçi University, the Autumn School offers scientific and technical training in experimental microsurgical techniques.

The programme aims to bridge the technical gap between participants from different academic backgrounds and establish a common foundation for microsurgical skill development. By integrating medicine, biology and neurotechnology, participants will progressively develop the precision and technical skills required for neuroscientific interventions and translational research.

Programme structure

The Autumn School is organised over two weeks:

Week 1: 19–23 October 2026, online

Participants will receive theoretical training covering areas such as experimental design, model systems, fundamental neurobiology, microsurgical techniques and research ethics. The first week will also introduce the Surgical Innovation Challenge.

Week 2: 26–30 October 2026, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

The second week will focus on intensive hands-on training at the “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF Cluj). Participants will develop microsurgical skills using different experimental model systems, including micro-motor skills, precision dissections and microvascular surgery.

The curriculum progresses from sub-millimetre Drosophila brain dissection to complex in vivo microvascular anastomoses in rat models. The Surgical Innovation Challenge will also be evaluated during this part of the programme.

Who can apply?

The Autumn School is open to:

• Bachelor’s students
• Master’s students
• PhD students
• Researchers
• Teachers

The programme is particularly relevant for participants with an interest or academic background in neuroscience, medicine, biomedical engineering and related disciplines.

How to apply?

To apply, Boğaziçi University applicants are asked to submit the following documents:

• Motivation letter (max. 400 words)
• CV
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of enrolment or employment at the Boğaziçi University

Please combine all documents into a single PDF and send your application to: nteu@bogazici.edu.tr

The application deadline is September 19, 2026 by Boğaziçi University side.

After your application is confirmed via the Boğaziçi University NeutechEU team, selected applicants should prepare the following documents and send them via e-mail to neurotecheu.mobility@brainscience.ro

• CV, maximum 2 pages
• Short motivation letter, maximum 1 page
• (optional) Endorsement letter from a supervisor, mentor, teacher, or equivalent academic contact 
• Application deadline: 23 September 2026. Students will be notified about admission by 25 September. Selected participants commit to attend to both online and on-site training.