For a third year running, ADInstruments has sponsored the annual "Teaching and Research in Neuroscience for Development in Africa" (TReND) summer schools at Kampala International University (KIU), Uganda. This year we are proud to have also donated essential equipment for the course: PowerLab 4/30 hardware, ADInstruments Dual Bio Amps, Isolated Stimulators, Single Bridge Amplifiers and LabChart software.
Students doing electrophysiology
Hands on learning
As in previous years, the 2013 summer school laid particular emphasis on practical aspects of research. Accordingly, following morning lectures, the entire afternoon and evening were assigned to on hands-on learning.
The second and third weeks of training focused on elective ‘modules’ (3 per week). Two of the modules were heavily based on electrophysiological theory and technique: “Auditory Systems”, taught by Dr. Berthold Hedwig (Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, UK) and “Visual Systems”, taught by Dr. Alex Mauss and Dr. Alexander Arenz (MPI Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany).
ADInstruments systems were used extensively during these modules. For example, in the auditory and vision modules, students used ADInstruments Bio Amps to perform hook electrode recordings from the auditory nerve of the locust, and electroretinograms (ERGs) from various species of insects.
Supporting ongoing research and education
Now the course is finished, ADInstruments equipment will continue to be used toward the mission of spreading Neuroscience education and research on the African continent. Local MSc and PhD students will use it for their research and it will also be used for the instruction of electrophysiological techniques to colleagues and undergraduate students. Plans are also underway to utilize this equipment for a 2014 course (funding pending), to be held at the Department of Zoology, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Student of the Year award announced
Congratulations to 3 top students, winners of TReND/ADInstruments Student of the Year Awards: Helen Kinyi, Kampala International University Uganda, Mahmoud Maina, University of Sussex and Issa Yusuf, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
More information
Visit the TReND website to read about their impact on neuroscience research in Africa.