Studying circuit function and behaviour in Drosophila following disruptions in developmental remodeling

Lead Research Organisation: King's College London
Department Name: Developmental Neurobiology

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
 
Description The grant is in progress but so far our collaboration helps us explore the role of cell death in nervous system function. We have seen walking and fly phenotypes in flies in which neurons have not been removed.

The technology used also allowed us to look at the impact of the loss of neuroligin1 on animal behaviour.
Exploitation Route The use of high climbing assays could be used by Drosophila labs studying disease
Sectors Healthcare
 
Description DevNeuroAcademy 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact The DevNeuro Academy Widening Participation project consists of a regular programme of activities designed to improve the progression and success of students currently under-represented at our university and other institutes of higher education. The project combines a series of four in-school interactive 'Discovery workshops' with a two-week laboratory summer research work experience in our Centre. At the end of the work experience there will be a graduation ceremony here at Guy's campus. The students' families, class-mates and teachers will be invited and the students will be presented with a certificate.


Students from non-selective state schools are widely under-represented at top universities. 48% of privately educated children go on to study at a highly selective university, whilst only 18% of state school children, and a staggering 2% of children eligible for free school meals, gain a place at a highly selective university.

The primary objective of the DevNeuro Academy project is to engage with challenging local non-selective state schools and contribute towards changing these numbers.

The workshops were designed with the goal of providing the students with solid conceptual foundations, as well as skills and new ideas to further build on. Each workshop combines theoretical talks and lots of interactive activities about the exciting field of developmental neurobiology.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015,2016,2017
URL http://tinyurl.com/jsmvsep