International Symposium on the Connection Between Physics and Metabolism in Brain Functions
Exploring how metabolic pathways shape brain development, cognition, and neurodevelopmental disorders
Following the success of the first two international symposia on physics, metabolism and brain function (Barcelona, 2024, and Paris, 2025), we are pleased to welcome you to the third edition in Barcelona. This meeting will bring together leading experts in physics, chemistry, neurobiology and philosophy to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and inspire new ideas in the emerging "science of the night".
The programme will delve into frontier topics in physics, metabolism and mechanobiology, bridging basic research and clinical practice, complemented by musical performances that will enrich the dialogue between science and the arts. Organised by Professors Angeles García-Cazorla (SJD & University of Barcelona) and Fanny Mochel (Paris Brain Institute & Sorbonne University), the symposium will be held in English and is aimed at a scientific audience.
After this training, you will be able to:
- To foster interdisciplinary knowledge on the relationship between physics, chemistry, neurobiology and philosophy, exploring their combined application to the study of the brain and biological processes related to sleep and the night.
- To update and expand scientific knowledge on emerging topics such as quantum biology, mitochondrial mechanosensing, physical approaches to brain metabolism, mechanodiseases, and their clinical translation, fostering knowledge exchange among experts from diverse disciplines.
- To promote scientific collaboration and the generation of new ideas through dialogue among researchers from diverse fields, while incorporating the interaction between science and the arts to stimulate new perspectives and innovative approaches.
Improve your skills in:
Contents
Inaugural Talk: The New Physics of the Brain.
Sonia Contera (Spain).
Block I — Quantum Biology
Margaret Ahmad (France) .
Alexander Huck (Denmark).
Block II — Physical Approaches to Brain Metabolism
Gustavo Deco (Spain).
Michael Krieg (Spain).
Neus Sanfeliu-Cerdán (Spain).
Block III — Mechanodiseases
Elias El-Habr (France).
Amit Agarwal (Germany) .
Vittoria Raffa (Italy).
Block IV — Clinical Translation and Patient Perspectives
Patient perspective (Spain).
Closing Lecture & Closing Remarks
David J. Colaço (Germany).
This course is especially aimed at:
This course is intended for a multidisciplinary audience interested in the biological basis of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. It is particularly relevant for clinicians and researchers seeking a deeper mechanistic understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Neurologists (adult and pediatric)
- General pediatricians
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists and neuropsychologists
- Clinical geneticists and metabolic specialists
- Researchers in neuroscience, metabolism, and related biomedical fields
- PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and other early-career professionals
- And other professionals involved in the study, diagnosis, and management of autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability, including both clinical and non-clinical profiles.
Learning experience
We have designed a complete program, carefully prepared with the participation of expert speakers to guarantee you a high-level training experience.
Spaces are provided to share experiences and network among participants.
Gain insights from recognized leaders in the field, presenting current knowledge and perspectives in each session.
Sessions presenting the latest advances in biology, genomics, and metabolic regulation relevant to neurodevelopment.
Short live performances will create a stimulating atmosphere, encouraging reflection, creativity, and informal interaction among participants.
To obtain the certificate, you will be required to complete a satisfaction survey through the virtual learning platform.
Registration options:
Travel Scholarship
A limited number of travel scholarships are available for eligible participants. The scholarship includes:
- Economy-class round-trip travel.
- One hotel night (up to four-star accommodation), depending on the travel itinerary and transport availability.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a PhD student, postdoctoral fellow, clinical resident, or early-career clinician-scientist.
- Be actively working in neurometabolism, inherited metabolic disorders, neuroscience, physics, chemistry, mechanobiology, or related fields.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary research.
How to apply
Complete the Travel Scholarship Application Form
Submit you motivation letter and CV by email to neurometab.bio.master@gmail.com
Application Deadline
Sunday, 23 August, at 23:59 (CET - Spanish time).
For the scholarship guidelines and regulations, please see the Scholarship Guidelines and Regulations document.
Program directors
Location
SJD Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona Auditorium
C. de Santa Rosa, 39
08950 Barcelona
Accredited training
European EAACME (SEAFORMEC) accreditation has been requested
Endorsed by:
Do you need futher information?
Contact us, and we will answer your questions about the program.