CSHL Course on Drosophila Neurobiology: Genes, Circuits & Behavior

About This Grant

Drosophila Neurobiology: Genes, Circuits & Behavior (2026‐2030) ABSTRACT The primary objective of the proposed three‐week course is to provide training in state‐ of‐the‐art and emerging experimental approaches to study the nervous system in one of the most successful invertebrate model organisms, Drosophila melanogaster. The course, titled “Drosophila Neurobiology: Genes, Circuits & Behavior”, is designed to introduce students at all career levels to a wide variety of research topics and techniques, including the latest approaches to study nervous system development, connectivity, and behavior. Daily research seminars present comprehensive overviews of specific subfields of nervous system anatomy and function and/or focus on specific techniques and approaches to study diverse aspects of neurobiology. The course fully leverages the conserved genetics and orthologous morphology of Drosophila to analyze neural development, neuronal physiology, and behavior, thereby emphasizing the relevance of this powerful model system to yield conceptual insights and inspire approaches to advance our understanding of human brain function and dysfunction. There will be a significant emphasis on the disruption and reorganization of neural circuits during the onset of neurological diseases or addiction. Instructors are selected based on their contributions and expertise in the field, with each instructor providing in‐depth knowledge in specific areas that complement each other. Additionally, instructors invite lecturers who have made significant contributions in their fields to provide current updates on the latest developments in research and future directions in their areas of interest. Participants are chosen by the course lead instructors from large pools of applicants and range from advanced graduate students to principal investigators. Because of the short duration of the course, participants can attend and receive intense training in an environment free from other demands on their time and attention. This neurobiology laboratory course thus offers a unique opportunity for scientists to gain expertise in an advanced invertebrate model within neuroscience and to apply the concepts and techniques to their own research interests. Importantly, participants are encouraged to disseminate what they learn in the course at their home labs and institutes. Participant feedback on course modules and instructors is collected each year and the long‐term impact of the course is assessed through tracking of alumni career trajectories. The overall effectiveness of the course is demonstrated by the fact that 64% of course alumni have gone on to lead their own research groups as professors.