Report on IBRO-APRC Associate School of Neuroscience

The IBRO-APRC Associate School of Neuroscience was done successfully in conjunction with
the 20th Thai Neuroscience Society International Conference. The IBRO-APRC Associate
School of Neuroscience took place at the Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University,
Phitsanulok, Thailand, between 4-8 July 2016. There are 28 students from 8 different AsiaPacific countries and 15 Lecturers from UK, Japan, Australia, India, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
Please find the report below:

Theme of the School: Translational Neuroscience

Location: Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
Dates: 4-8 July 2016
Organizers:
The Thai Neuroscience Society (TNS) and the Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan
University
Rationale behind the school and its content
Disorders of the nervous system are at least as great a problem in ASEAN and
surrounding countries of the Asia-Pacific region as they are elsewhere, and yet local
investment in neuroscience research has lagged behind that of Europe and America.
Maximizing the return on this investment will require neuroscientists to embrace
collaboration and new technologies in the pursuit of research addressing these
problems. The main objective of the IBRO-APRC Associate School of Neuroscience is
to provide a platform for postgraduate students from the field of neuroscience to expand
their knowledge of both basic and clinical neuroscience and identify how this knowledge
may translate into a better understanding of, and treatment for, nervous system
disorders.
To support the rational mentioned above, the IBRO-APRC has provided funding to
establish the IBRO-APRC Associate School of Neuroscience at Naresuan University,
Phitsanulok,Thailand, which was held in conjunction with the 20 th Thai Neuroscience
Society Conference. The students from Asia-Pacific region had attended and learned
from lectures and laboratory demonstrations covering many aspects of leading
neuroscience research as seen in the program. We have invited many distinguished
researchers to deliver knowledge in both basic and clinical neurosciences, with an
emphasis on translational aspects.
Level of school and students: PhD and Masters Students
School Program
The school comprised a 5-day program addressing modern research approaches and
methodology across basic and clinical neuroscience disciplines with an emphasis on
how modern biomedical research techniques can contribute to a better understanding
of brain disorders.

Scientific Program
IBRO-APRC Associate School of Neuroscience 2016
Translational Neuroscience
&
20th Thai Neuroscience Society International Conference

July 4th 8th, 2016

Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University
Monday, July 4, 2016
8.00 - 8.30
8.30 - 9.00

Registration
Opening Ceremony

9.00 - 9.10
9.10 - 10.10

Group Photo
Lecture 1
Introduction to translational neuroscience
Lecture 2
Molecular basis of neuropsychiatric disorders
Lecture 3
Translational research in psychiatric diseases

10.10 - 11.10
11.15 - 12.15

12.15 - 13.00
13.15 - 14.30
14.30 - 15.30

15.30-16.30

Lunch
Lecture 4
Brain plasticity
Lecture 5
Molecular mechanisms of methamphetamine
toxicity-induced neurodegeneration
Panel discussion
Pharmacogenetic study in drug addiction

President of Naresuan University/

Dean of Faculty of Medical Science
Prof. Gavin Reynolds
Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Prof. Gavin Reynolds
Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Prof.Dr. Gavin Reynolds
Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Dr.Trisha Jenkins
RMIT University, Australia
Dr.Trisha Jenkins
RMIT University, Australia
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Banthit Chetsawang
Mahidol University, Thailand
Prof.Dr. Gavin Reynolds
Sheffield Hallam University, UK
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Sutisa Thanoi
Naresuan University, Thailand

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

8.00 - 8.30

Group Orientation

8.30 - 9.15

Lecture 6
Neurotransmitter abnormalities in drug addiction

9.15 - 10.00

Lecture 7
Validation of animal mouse model for brain
research of autism
Demonstration 1
SNP genotype analysis in methamphetamine
dependence
Lunch
Assignment / Panel Discussion

10.00 - 12.00

12.00 - 13.00
13.00 - 17.00

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Sutisa Thanoi /

Dr. Narawadee Choompoo
Naresuan University, Thailand
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Sutisa Thanoi
Naresuan University, Thailand
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ekkasit Kumarnsit
Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutisa Thanoi/
Dr. Walailuk Kerdsan
Naresuan University, Thailand

Staff

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

8.00 - 8.30

Group Discussion

8.30 - 9.00

Lecture 8
Human induced pluripotent stem (ips) cells for
cell replacement therapy in Huntington's disease
Lecture 9
Electrophysiological basis of CNS function
Lecture 10
Patch clamp technique
Lecture 11

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutisa Thanoi

Asst. Prof. Dr. Onrawee Khongsombat
Dr. Narawadee Choompoo
Asst. Prof. Ekarin Chulikorn

Naresuan University, Thailand

9.00 - 10.00
10.00 - 11.00
11.00 - 12.30

Dr. Narawadee Choompoo

Naresuan University, Thailand
Assoc. Prof. Thongchai Sooksawate
Chulalongkorn University,Thailand
Assoc. Prof. Thongchai Sooksawate
Chulalongkorn University,Thailand
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yukio Nishimura

Restoring lost sensory-motor function via

braincomputer interface
12.30 - 13.30
13.30 - 17.00

Kyoto University, Japan

Lunch

Demonstration 2-3
Animal models of Alzheimers disease
Behavioral tests for pain response
Panel Discussion
Thursday, July 7, 2016

Asst.Prof.Dr.Pornnarin Taepavarapruk
Asst.Prof.Dr.Niwat Taepavarapruk
Asst.Prof.Dr.Onrawee Khongsombat
Naresuan University, Thailand

8.00 - 9.00

Group Discussion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutisa Thanoi

Asst. Prof. Dr. Onrawee Khongsombat
Dr. Narawadee Choompoo
Asst. Prof. Ekarin Chulikorn

9.00 - 10.00

Lecture 12
Computational neuroscience and neural
engineering

10.00 - 11.00

Lecture 13
Molecular mechanism and pathophysiology of
pain
Lecture 12
Strategic research on pain
Lunch
Discussion and presentation

Naresuan University, Thailand

11.00 - 12.00
12.00 - 13.30
13.30 - 17.00

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Khondaker Abdullah Al

Mamun
United International University,
Bangladesh
Prof.Dr. Anan Srikiatkhachorn
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Prof.Dr. Anan Srikiatkhachorn
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Staff/Prof.Gavin Reynolds/
Assoc.Prof.Dr.Sutisa Thanoi
Assoc.Prof.Dr.Thongchai
Sooksawate
Naresuan University, Thailand

Scientific Program
20th Thai Neuroscience Society International Conference
Friday July 8th, 2016
Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University
8.00 - 8.30
8.30 - 9.00

Registration
Opening Ceremony

9.00 - 9.10

Group Photo
Keynote Lecture I-II
Session Chairs: Prof. Anan Srikiatkhachorn
Prof. Ingrid Liu
Keynote Lecture I
Translational research in neuropsychiatric
diseases focus on schizophrenia and its
treatment
Keynote Lecture II
How does melatonin regulate Alzheimers
disease?
Poster presentation I/Coffee Break
Plenary Lecture I-III
Session Chairs: Prof. Gavin Reynolds
Prof. Piyarat Govitrapong
Plenary Lecture I
Loss of the ATF3 gene leads to expression of
PTSD-like symptoms

9.10 - 9.50

9.50 - 10.30

10.30 - 10.45

10.45 - 11.15

President of Naresuan University

President of Thai Neuroscience
Society
Dean of Faculty of Medical Science

Prof. Gavin Reynolds

Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Prof. Piyarat Govitrapong

Mahidol University, Thailand

Prof.Ingrid Liu
Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi
University, Taiwan

11.15 - 11.45

16.00 - 17.00

Plenary Lecture II
Understanding Molecular Mechanisms Involved
in the Development of Hepatic Encephalopathy
Plenary Lecture III
Translational research on pain
Lunch
Plenary Lecture IV VI
Session Chair : Assoc.Prof.Banthit Chetsawang
Assoc.Prof.Ekkasit Kumarnsit
Plenary Lecture IV
APRC Women Neuroscientist Promotion
Program
Obesity and Cognitive Dysfunction
Plenary Lecture V
IBRO-APRC Lecturer Exchange Program
Function of the nucleus accumbens in motor
control
Plenary Lecture VI
IBRO-APRC Lecturer Exchange Program
Brain Machine Interface: A Translational Neural
Engineering Technology for Treatment and
Rehabilitation of Neural Disorders
Poster Presentation II & Coffee Break
Plenary Lecture VII
Session Chairs: Assoc.Prof.Yukio Nishimura
Dr.Trisha Jenkins
Plenary Lecture VII
Analysis of electrical brain signal for early
detection of neurodegenerative diseases
Closing ceremony and Award presentation

17.00 - 18.00

Annual Meeting of Thai Neuroscience Society

11.45 - 12.15
12.15 - 13.00

13.00 - 13.30

13.30 - 14.00

14.00 - 14.30

14.30 15.30

15.30 - 16.00

Prof. Rajat Sandhir

Panjab University, India
Prof. Anan Srikiatkhachorn
Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Dr.Trisha Jenkins
RMIT University, Australia

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Yukio Nishimura

National Institute for Physiological
Sciences, Japan
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Khondaker Abdullah
Al Mamun
United International University,
Bangladesh

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ekkasit Kumarnsit

Prince of Songkla University,
Thailand

List of Lecturers
Name

Affiliation

Prof. Gavin Reynolds

Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre,

Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Prof. Piyarat Govitrapong

Mahidol University, Thailand

Prof. Anan Srikiatkhachorn

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Prof. Rajat Sandhir

Panjab University, India

Dr. Trisha Jenkins

RMIT University, Australia

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Yukio Nishimura

National Institute for Physiological Sciences,

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Khondaker Abdullah Al Mamun

Japan
United International University, Bangladesh

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Banthit Chetsawang

Mahidol University, Thailand

Asssoc.Prof.Dr.Thongchai Sooksawate
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ekkasit Kumarnsit

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Prince of Songkla University, Thailand

Assoc.Prof.Dr.Sutisa Thanoi

Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology,

Asst.Prof.Dr. Onrawee Khongsombat

Asst.Prof.Dr. Niwat Taepavarapruk
Asst.Prof.Dr. Pornnarin Taepavarapruk
Dr. Narawadee Choompoo

Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University

Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University
Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University
Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University
Naresuan University, Thailand

List of Students
First Name

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

Aditya
Biswas Mohammad
Chayanit
Garima
Gideon
Han Chung
Kamonrapat
Kiruthika
Muhammad
Muskan
Nattaporn
Naw Hser
Nutthida
Patlada
Peeraporn
Praewa
Pranav
Pranoa Kumar
Sarayut
Sirirat
Sri-arun
Srivaishnavi
Syed Saad
Tanita
Uday
Van Hau
Vipa
Waralee

Last Name

Arya
Shahangir
Sirisuwat
Chauhan
Sarpong
Lee
Sompub
Ganesan
JAHANGIR
Gupta
Pakpian
Gay
Phianchana
Tangweerasing
Varinthra
Suthapot
Prasoon
Sharma
Phasuk
Thongsri
Iamjan
Loganathan
Hussain
Pairojana
Kundap
Truong
Thechasinthop
Ruankham

Gender

Male
Male
Female
Female
Male
Male
Male
Female
Male
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Male
Male
Male
Female
Female
Female
Male
Female
Male
Male
Female
Female

Nationality

India
Bangladesh
Thailand
India
Ghana
Malaysia
Thailand
India
Pakistan
India
Thailand
Myanmar
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
India
India
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
India
Pakistan
Thailand
India
Vietnam
Thailand
Thailand

From

India
Japan
Thailand
India
Japan
Malaysia
Thailand
Taiwan
Pakistan
India
Thailand
Myanmar
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
India
Taiwan
Taiwan
Thailand
Thailand
Taiwan
Pakistan
Taiwan
Malaysia
Vietnam
Thailand
Thailand

Activities at the school

The school included lectures, project work and demonstration, group discussion, and

presentation.

We also provided the certificate for all lecturers and students in appreciation of valuable
contribution.

Social Activities
The organizing committee had set up the social activities for all participants included
welcome party and excursion. We brought the participants to visit historical places of
Phitsanulok such as Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat which houses Phra Phuttha Chinnarat,
one of the most beautiful and revered golden Buddha images of the kingdom. As the name
of Naresuan University came from the King Naresuan, the participants went to visit the
Wang Chan Palace (literally, The Lunar Palace), the former abode of King Naresuan the
Great. We hope all participants would bring back memories and impression of Naresuan
University and Phitsanulok city.

Students comments
The followings are some of the students comments:
-

The most impressive thing from the school demonstration about snp by real time
PCR and also allow us to know about cognitive and water-maze test

Waralee Ruankham (Thailand)

The demonstrations and certain lectures helped me to plan what I wanted to do
next in my research. Especially the talk on the first day on schizophrenia,
depression and behavior models inspired me and motivated me to use certain

approaches in my research Srivaishnavi Loganathan (Taiwan)

Visit to animal lab were great Garima Chauhan (India)
In overall, I think the organizer has done their job very well. The students are
well taking, the staff are very kind and very helpful. The speakers are nice,
approachable. I feel like I am in my home and feel comfortable. Lee Han Chung

(Malaysia)
In this IBRO school give me a good time with wonderful knowledge,
demonstration, discussion panel and Phitsanulok city tour trip and have a good

staff to help us a lot Tanita Pairojana (Taiwan)

Most impressive thing about the school was undoubtedly the organization in the
quick service and the facilities provided The animal centre of Naresuan

University is impressive as well Pranoa Kumar Sharma (Taiwan)

Perfect platform for students from Asia-Pacific region Good topic covered

during the session Uday P. Kundap (Malaysia)

Excellent and informative lectures from all speakers Naw Her Gay (Myanmar)
Most impressive thing was the hospitality that we got and also lectures
regarding incorporation of engineering in neuroscience Syed Saad Hussain

(Pakistan)
I have had the opportunity to receive feedback from other students and
researchers concerning my research I believe this would greatly help me in the

next stage of my research The lectures were informative and engaging. The
school has provided an opportunity and different ways on how to translate
neuroscience research from the basic level to clinical application Gideon Anokye
Sarpong (Japan)

Other Sponsors
The IBRO-APRC Associate School of Neuroscience was jointly sponsored by the
Faculty of Medical Science and Graduate School, Naresuan University and
International Brain Research Organization (IBRO).
For more detail, please visit the website and webpage of the school from the link below:
http://www.medsci.nu.ac.th/IBRO-APRC-THAILAND/EN/index.php
https://www.facebook.com/IBRO2016/?fref=ts