International Astrocyte School

Welcome

The International Astrocyte School (IAS) was founded in 2010, inaugurated its first edition in 2011, and continues to hold its annual editions in Europe each spring, in Bertinoro, Italy, in a fortress of early-medieval origin overlooking the Romagna countryside. Over the years, the School has become a recognised forum for the discussion of the fundamental and novel approaches in the study of glial cells, and of the most intriguing hypotheses concerning the role of astrocytes and other glial cells in brain function and dysfunction. The school brings together scientists who wish to approach these questions experimentally, conceptually, and critically in a convivial learning atmosphere.

Building upon the spirit and experience of the Bertinoro School, the IAS is now expanding through a new initiative. This year, under the guidance of Frank Kirchhoff (member of the School's Advisory Board) and with the strong support of Richard Robitaille (one of the IAS founders and member of its Executive Board), it is with great pleasure that we announce the first edition of our Asian Chapter. This new initiative aims to strengthen scientific exchange with the rapidly growing Asian glial research community, while preserving the distinctive atmosphere of rigorous discussion, close interaction, and intellectual openness that has characterised the IAS since its inception.

With its commitment to disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge and fostering open scientific discussion, the IAS has always paid particular attention to young scientists developing their independent research paths. Our Asian Chapter is therefore especially aimed at early-stage postdoctoral fellows, and young principal investigators wishing to consolidate and broaden their glial background while engaging directly with leading scientists in the field.

We look forward to welcoming you to Lishui in October!

Frank Kirchhoff & Richard Robitaille
IAS, Asian Chapter Co-Directors