Biomarkers in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Biomarkers are increasingly required for effective research into neurodegenerative diseases. They are critical for diagnosis, disease monitoring and will be key for measuring target engagement of disease modifying therapies.
PhD students working in the field of neurodegeneration require a working knowledge of a range of biomarkers to correctly interpret scientific literature and to design and conduct successful and ambitious research studies.  
University College London and University of Gothenburg are leading international centres with complementary expertise in fluid and imaging biomarkers. This collaboration would be expected to strengthen the quality of biomarker training across both institutions and beyond, as well as fostering new research collaborations and providing delegates with outstanding networking opportunities.  

Speakers:
We are pleased to host a truly outstanding selection of world leading speakers:

Ulf Andreasson, University of Gothenburg, Sweden       
Nicholas Ashton, University of Gothenburg, Sweden/King’s College London, UK       
Kaj Blennow, University of Gothenburg, Sweden       
Stephen Carter, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Manchester, UK       
Nick Fox, University College London, UK       
Johan Gobom, University of Gothenburg, Sweden       
Jörg Hanrieder, University of Gothenburg, Sweden       
John Hardy, University College London, UK        
Kerstin Heurling, University of Gothenburg, Sweden       
William Jagust, University of California, Berkeley, USA       
Tammaryn Lashley, University College London, UK       
Hanna Mann         Olink Proteomics       
Niklas Mattsson, Lund University, Sweden       
Joana Pereira, Karolinska Institute, Sweden       
Erik Portelius, University of Gothenburg, Sweden       
Jonathan Schott, University College London, UK       
Andrea Varrone, Karolinska Institute, Sweden       
Henrik Zetterberg, University of Gothenburg, Sweden/University College London, UK  

Course direction:
Ross Paterson is Clinical Lecturer at UCL Institute of Neurology. Michael Scholl is Associate Professor at the University of Gothenburg.

Previous Feedback:
The University of Gothenburg administered the Biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases in 2018 with excellent feedback.

• “Every lecture was interesting, and I wouldn’t change a thing in this context. I had a great time, learnt a lot during the course and would recommend it to everybody in the field!”
• “The course was fantastic and even topped my already high expectations!”
• “All content was highly relevant, well-communicated and varied - the incredible hospitality was a very welcome bonus.”
• "This course was very well organized and executed. The excellent content was delivered by frontrunners in the field from both Sweden and elsewhere. The atmosphere of the course was welcoming and relaxed yet conducive to good discussions. I would definitely recommend this to any PhD student colleagues who are studying neurodegeneration”
• “The course was a big hit!

Course content:
The aims will be to provide basic and practical knowledge of fluid and brain imaging-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. Participants will be expected to achieve a broad understanding of the following advanced brain imaging and neurochemistry technologies used as research and clinical tools in neurodegenerative diseases:
- Neurochemistry (liquid-based biomarkers):
- Biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid
- Biomarkers in blood
- Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Learning outcomes:
After completing the course the student is expected to be able to:

·    Explain basic concepts in image-based and fluid-based biomarker research.
·    Describe how different biomarkers relate to each other in a temporal, pathogenic, and regional (anatomical) context of different neurodegenerative diseases.
·    Conduct the planning of a project within their own research area where the use of the discussed biomarkers is described.
·    Use basic tools to evaluate biomarker data
·    Interpret biomarker profiles in different neurodegenerative diseases.
·    Understand when particular biomarkers/methods can & cannot be applied
·    Analyze the predictive value of the respective biomarkers in different conditions.

Eligibility:
No exclusion criteria, but the course is aimed at PhD candidates. Applications will be accepted from any institution.

Cost:
Students will be expected to contribute £200 to participate. This will include all lectures, a hot two course lunch on Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th and tea and coffee throughout the course. This will be payable through the UCL online store. Accommodation will not be provided but students will be provided with a list of affordable accommodation, some eligible for UCL student discount.

Contact:

For any queries about the course please contact Ms Ayesha Khatun  - a.khatun@ucl.ac.uk

Suggested Accommodation:
www.airbnb.com
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/accommodation/residences/private-providers
http://www.travelodge.co.uk/search_and_book/list.php (Covent Garden)
Imperial Hotels (*closest option to Queen Square*)

https://www.doctorhouse.co.uk/

We intend to “buddy” non-UK attenders with someone attending the course from London. We hope this will be a great way of dealing with queries and provide a friendly point of contact for all those not familiar with London.