[cid:image001.jpg@01D158FE.B69B8D00]
M N N S E M I N A R & V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R S E R I E S
D A T E
Monday, April 29, 2019
10am
L O C A T I O N
Theatre C, BMSB
Bannatyne Campus
S P E A K E R
Idan Menashe, PhD
School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences,
Negev Autism Center
Ben-Gurion University
T O P I C
Deciphering the etiological puzzle of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – results from the Negev Autism Center
O B J E C T I V E S
1. Introduce the current challenges in ASD research
2. Discuss the activities and research findings of the Negev Autism Center
A B S T R A C T
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a remarkably heterogeneous condition with multiple genetic and non-genetic causes leading to a wide variety of phenotypic outcomes. Elucidating the heterogeneous etiological puzzle of autism requires comprehensive longitudinal data acquisition from large community based cohorts. With this in mind, we have established the Negev Autism Center (NAC), which comprises clinicians from Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) and scientists from Ben-Gurion University (BGU). In this initiative, we collect comprehensive behavioral, clinical, neurological and biological data on all children who are referred to SUMC with a suspicion of autism. Moreover, children with a positive diagnosis of autism are invited to the SUMC clinics for follow-up visits every 6 to 12 months until the age six. During these visits, their diagnosis is re-evaluated and families are invited to participate in additional ongoing experiments. The wide variety of data collected from each child with ASD and his family, enable us to synthesize findings across different clinical and biological disciplines in order to “connect the dots” between specific risk factors through associated brain abnormalities to precise behavioral and cognitive phenotypes in various subtypes of autism. Such an understanding of ASD is essential for translating the science into personalized treatments for the disorder. In this seminar, I will introduce the current challenges in ASD research and discuss recent research findings from the NAC. Specifically, I will introduce new approaches for digital phenotyping of children with ASD that can accelerate both research and diagnosis of ASD. In addition, I will present new insights regarding the genetics of ASD as well as potential environmental risk factors of the disorder. Finally, I will talk about the future goals of the NAC.
B I O S K E T C H:
Dr. Menashe, earned his PhD in Human Genetics and Bioinformatics from the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel in 2007. He then completed four years of post-doctoral fellowship in the Biostatistics Branch of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at the National Cancer Institute, USA and one year as a senior scientist at MindSpec, a nonprofit organization that utilizes innovative bioinformatics strategies to accelerate research on common neurodevelopmental disorders. In 2012, Dr. Menashe joined the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Zlotowski center for neuroscience at the Ben-Gurion University (BGU), Beer-Sheva, Israel as an assistant professor.
At BGU Dr. Menashe is the head of the genetic epidemiology team at the school of public health. In addition, Dr. Menashe is a co-founder of the Negev Autism Center (www.negevautism.org<http://www.negevautism.org>), which is the leading autism research center in Israel. At the Negev Autism Center, Dr. Menashe and his colleagues collect and analyze comprehensive clinical, behavioral and biological data from hundreds of children with autism with the goal to elucidate the etiology of autism and its variable phenotypic manifestations. For more information, please visit: www.idanmen.com<file:///C:/Users/kjorund/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Intern…>
For more information, contact the MNN office @ 204.235.3939
Tabrez Siddiqui
Chair, MNN Seminar Series
E: Tabrez.siddiqui(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Tabrez.siddiqui@umanitoba.ca>
Kelly Jorundson
Coordinator, Membership & Operations
Manitoba Neuroscience Network
Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA
Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca<mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca>
Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092
.
******************************************
[cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710]<http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/>
[cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480]<https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts> [cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480] <https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/> [cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480] <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>
Nick Shepel Neuroscience Trainee Travel Award
Application deadline: Friday, May 31, 2019
Background: The fund was established by the Division of Neurodegenerative
Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, to honor Nick Shepel who
was an outstanding researcher, friend and leader. Nick was a true
inspiration to his laboratory partners and brought fire, humor, and a desire
to always excel. His insistence to always try better has had a permanent
effect on his lab mates and peers. Nick led by example and taught that
detailed preparation and execution of experiments ensured reliable results.
Purpose: The purpose of this fund shall be to recognize a young
investigator(s) (specifically in the neuroscience area) by providing an
annual award(s) to support travel costs associated with the applicants
attendance at an upcoming national/international conference where the
applicant is presenting a poster or oral presentation. This year, the value
of the award may range from $600 to $1000.
Eligibility: At the time of application the following conditions are
required:
· Students must be registered as a full-time graduate student in the
College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba.
· The area of research being presented at the conference must relate
to the field of neuroscience.
· A student admitted under the Provisional Status may not receive
the award during the provisional period.
· Amount of award(s) may vary each year.
· Students must be giving a poster or oral presentation at an
upcoming scientific meeting (national/international).
· Students who have received this award previously should not apply.
Submission Instructions: A complete application consists of the following
information
*If your application is not complete, it will not be considered:
· Introductory letter describing meeting, location and date
· Copy of abstract
· Curriculum vitae
· Current GPA, transcripts not needed
· Proposed budget of travel costs
· Submit your completed application materials to:
Paul Fernyhough
Director Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders
St. Boniface Hospital Research
R4046 351 Tache Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
Email: pfernyhough(a)sbrc.ca
How to apply for reimbursement: Reimbursement will be done in accordance
with St. Boniface Hospital travel policies. Request for reimbursement must
be done within 2 weeks following travel otherwise eligibility may be voided.
(contact: Kelly Jorundson kjorund(a)sbrc.ca)
Kelly Jorundson
Coordinator, Membership & Operations
Manitoba Neuroscience Network
Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA
Email: <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca> kjorund(a)sbrc.ca
Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092
.
******************************************
<http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710
<https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts>
cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480
<https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/>
cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>
cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480
cid:image001.jpg@01D158FE.B69B8D00
M N N S E M I N A R & V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R S E R I E S
D A T E
Monday, April 29, 2019
10am
L O C A T I O N
Theatre C, BMSB
Bannatyne Campus
S P E A K E R
Idan Menashe, PhD
School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences,
Negev Autism Center
Ben-Gurion University
T O P I C
Deciphering the etiological puzzle of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
results from the Negev Autism Center
O B J E C T I V E S
1. Introduce the current challenges in ASD research
2. Discuss the activities and research findings of the Negev Autism
Center
A B S T R A C T
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a remarkably heterogeneous condition with
multiple genetic and non-genetic causes leading to a wide variety of
phenotypic outcomes. Elucidating the heterogeneous etiological puzzle of
autism requires comprehensive longitudinal data acquisition from large
community based cohorts. With this in mind, we have established the Negev
Autism Center (NAC), which comprises clinicians from Soroka University
Medical Center (SUMC) and scientists from Ben-Gurion University (BGU). In
this initiative, we collect comprehensive behavioral, clinical, neurological
and biological data on all children who are referred to SUMC with a
suspicion of autism. Moreover, children with a positive diagnosis of autism
are invited to the SUMC clinics for follow-up visits every 6 to 12 months
until the age six. During these visits, their diagnosis is re-evaluated and
families are invited to participate in additional ongoing experiments. The
wide variety of data collected from each child with ASD and his family,
enable us to synthesize findings across different clinical and biological
disciplines in order to connect the dots between specific risk factors
through associated brain abnormalities to precise behavioral and cognitive
phenotypes in various subtypes of autism. Such an understanding of ASD is
essential for translating the science into personalized treatments for the
disorder. In this seminar, I will introduce the current challenges in ASD
research and discuss recent research findings from the NAC. Specifically, I
will introduce new approaches for digital phenotyping of children with ASD
that can accelerate both research and diagnosis of ASD. In addition, I will
present new insights regarding the genetics of ASD as well as potential
environmental risk factors of the disorder. Finally, I will talk about the
future goals of the NAC.
B I O S K E T C H:
Dr. Menashe, earned his PhD in Human Genetics and Bioinformatics from the
Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel in 2007. He then completed four years
of post-doctoral fellowship in the Biostatistics Branch of the Division of
Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at the National Cancer Institute, USA and
one year as a senior scientist at MindSpec, a nonprofit organization that
utilizes innovative bioinformatics strategies to accelerate research on
common neurodevelopmental disorders. In 2012, Dr. Menashe joined the Faculty
of Health Sciences and the Zlotowski center for neuroscience at the
Ben-Gurion University (BGU), Beer-Sheva, Israel as an assistant professor.
At BGU Dr. Menashe is the head of the genetic epidemiology team at the
school of public health. In addition, Dr. Menashe is a co-founder of the
Negev Autism Center (www.negevautism.org), which is the leading autism
research center in Israel. At the Negev Autism Center, Dr. Menashe and his
colleagues collect and analyze comprehensive clinical, behavioral and
biological data from hundreds of children with autism with the goal to
elucidate the etiology of autism and its variable phenotypic manifestations.
For more information, please visit: www.idanmen.com
<file:///C:\Users\kjorund\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary%20Intern
et%20Files\Content.Outlook\US4Z0TRO\www.idanmen.com>
For more information, contact the MNN office @ 204.235.3939
Tabrez Siddiqui
Chair, MNN Seminar Series
E: Tabrez.siddiqui(a)umanitoba.ca
Kelly Jorundson
Coordinator, Membership & Operations
Manitoba Neuroscience Network
Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA
Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca
Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092
.
******************************************
<http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710
<https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts>
cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480
<https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/>
cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>
cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480
cid:image001.jpg@01D158FE.B69B8D00
**PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW INFORMATION ON BOTH A PUBLIC LECTURE (FOLLOWED
BY A RECEPTION) AS WELL AS A SCIENTIFIC LECTURE (FOLLOWED BY A TRAINEE
LUNCH)
U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A N I T O B A S
T H E V I C T O R H A V L I C E K M E M O R I A L L E C T U R E S H
I P
PUBLIC LECTURE
D A T E
Monday, May 6th, 2019
8:00 pm
(Followed by refreshments in the Atrium)
L O C A T I O N
Samuel Cohen Auditorium, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre
S P E A K E R
Dr. David Amaral
Professor, Faculty of Medicine
McGill University
T O P I C
Recent Advances in our Understanding of the Causes and Effects of Autism
Spectrum Disorder
RESEARCH LECTURE
D AT E
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
12:00 PM (noon)
LO C AT I O N
Theatre B, BMSB, Bannatyne Campus
S P E A K E R
Dr. David Amaral
Professor, Faculty of Medicine
McGill University
T O P I C
The Ups and Downs of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Tracking the trajectories of
autism in the Autism Phenome Project
A B S T R A C T
We are attempting to subdivide autism spectrum disorder into more
homogeneous subtypes by recruiting a very large cohort of young children (2
- 3 1/2 years of age) into a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and
longitudinal analysis of the features of autism. We have also enrolled
age-matched typically developing children for comparison. To date, we have
enrolled over 450 families into the Autism Phenome Project. In this talk, I
will highlight some of the differences in brain development that we have
discovered and the behavioral consequences of the different developmental
trajectories. I will also provide an overview of data that demonstrates
difference in cognitive development in subsets of children with autism. I
will also summarize initial findings on the trajectories of autism severity
from recent, unpublished analyses. Finally, I will briefly summarize data
demonstrating brain changes in children at risk for autism as early as 6
months of age. The goal of these studies is to understand the biological
etiologies of different forms of autism which will hopefully lead to more
targeted and effective treatments of their debilitating features.
O B J E C T I V E S
1. Gain an understanding of the biological and behavioral heterogeneity of
autism spectrum disorder.
2. Become knowledgable about the various developmental trajectories that can
be followed by different children with autism spectrum disorder.
3. Understand how it is possible to carry out high quality neuroimaging in
young children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
For more information, contact the MNN office @ 204.235.3939
Tabrez Siddiqui
Chair, MNN Seminar Series
E: Tabrez.siddiqui(a)umanitoba.ca
Kelly Jorundson
Coordinator, Membership & Operations
Manitoba Neuroscience Network
Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA
Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca
Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092
.
******************************************
<http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710
<https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts>
cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480
<https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/>
cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>
cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480
We are pleased to announce that the Manitoba Neuroscience Network will again
be accepting applications for 2019/20 TRAVEL AWARDS FOR NEUROSCIENCE
PROJECTS
A legacy fund created by the estate of Nancy Hettie Clark is used to enrich
neuroscience training and support opportunities to network within the wider
neuroscience community. Two travel awards of up to $700 each are intended to
be awarded annually to a graduate student and a postdoctoral fellow at the
University of Manitoba. The application deadline is MAY 15. The eligible
travel period is between May 1, 2019 and April 30, 2020, BUT all eligible
travel claims must be complete by March 31, 2020.
Eligibility: Eligible trainees are either graduate students or
postdoctoral fellows. Student candidates must be enrolled as full-time
graduate (PhD or MSc) students in the Faculty of Graduate Studies,
University of Manitoba, and have a cumulative graduate grade point average
of 3.5 or greater (University of Manitoba scale). Postdoctoral fellow
candidates must be within the first five years after awarding of their
doctoral degree and have a full-time appointment at the University of
Manitoba or an affiliated hospital or institute. Candidates must demonstrate
excellent research performance and potential in a neurosciences-related
discipline, and must demonstrate they will disseminate research results that
reflect a high-quality contribution by The University of Manitoba.
How to apply: A complete application package consists of the following:
* Cover letter stating the following (1 page maximum):
o Application category (student or postdoctoral fellow) and your start
date in that position
o The conference title, location and dates
o Type of presentation (e.g. poster or oral)
o The importance of the meeting and significance for career development
o Any information that would allow reviewers to assess the significance or
impact of the conference (e.g. abstracts are peer-reviewed)
o Clearly state your graduate GPA (students only)
* Graduate level academic transcript (students only)
* Listing of scholarly output (publications and presentations)
* Support letter from the primary research advisor with (a) a merit
assessment of the candidate and project, and (b) confirmation that there is
a commitment to cover all eligible travel expenses less the award value
* Copy of the submitted abstract
Submit all materials to <mailto:info@manitobaneuroscience.ca>
info(a)manitobaneuroscience.ca by MAY 15. The support letter may be appended
or sent separately by the research advisor.
Good luck!
******************************************
<http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/>
<https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts>
<https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/>
<https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>
The MNN is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the
2020 VIKTOR HAVLICEK MEMORIAL NEUROSCIENCE LECTURESHIP.
Viktor Havlicek, MD, PhD, DSc, was a Professor in the Department of
Physiology (now Physiology and Pathophysiology) at the University of
Manitoba from 1968 to 1981. The Viktor Havlicek Memorial fund was
established through gifts to the University of Manitoba in his memory. This
fund yields $3,000 once every two years to support a visit to the University
of Manitoba by an internationally-renowned neuroscientist in a manner that
encourages interactions with trainees.
Applications are now being accepted until MAY 15, 2019 for a visit and
lecture to take place between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.
Applications for the next Lectureship will be accepted in 2021 for 2022/2023
fiscal year.
Nominations must be made by a faculty member but trainees and staff are
encouraged to suggest names to their advisors. Faculty from any MNN
contributing institution (ie. not only the University of Manitoba) may
submit nominations. A complete nomination consists of a letter to the
Neuroscience Awards Committee (NAC) Chair explaining the rationale for
choice of candidate (1 page maximum), along with any supporting materials
the applicant deems useful for assessing the merit of the candidate and the
benefits of his or her visit to the University of Manitoba. Please send
nominations by email to info(a)manitobaneuroscience.ca
<mailto:info@manitobaneuroscience.ca> by May 15.
The NAC will determine an order of invitation priority for submitted
nominees and the top-priority candidate invited at a time determined in
consultation with the nominator. If this candidate is not available, the
next candidate will be invited. All candidates on the priority list must be
considered worthy of the Lectureship by the NAC.
We hope you find this opportunity helpful and exciting. If there are any
questions, you may respond to info(a)manitobaneuroscience.ca
<mailto:info@manitobaneuroscience.ca> .
Thank you.
******************************************
<http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/>
<https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts>
<https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/>
<https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>
cid:image001.jpg@01D158FE.B69B8D00
/sent on behalf of
Paul Fernyhough
Nick Shepel Neuroscience Trainee Travel Award
Application deadline: Friday, May 31, 2019
Background: The fund was established by the Division of Neurodegenerative
Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, to honor Nick Shepel who
was an outstanding researcher, friend and leader. Nick was a true
inspiration to his laboratory partners and brought fire, humor, and a desire
to always excel. His insistence to always try better has had a permanent
effect on his lab mates and peers. Nick led by example and taught that
detailed preparation and execution of experiments ensured reliable results.
Purpose: The purpose of this fund shall be to recognize a young
investigator(s) (specifically in the neuroscience area) by providing an
annual award(s) to support travel costs associated with the applicants
attendance at an upcoming national/international conference where the
applicant is presenting a poster or oral presentation. This year, the value
of the award may range from $600 to $1000.
Eligibility: At the time of application the following conditions are
required:
· Students must be registered as a full-time graduate student in the
College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba.
· The area of research being presented at the conference must relate
to the field of neuroscience.
· A student admitted under the Provisional Status may not receive
the award during the provisional period.
· Amount of award(s) may vary each year.
· Students must be giving a poster or oral presentation at an
upcoming scientific meeting (national/international).
· Students who have received this award previously should not apply.
Submission Instructions: A complete application consists of the following
information
*If your application is not complete, it will not be considered:
· Introductory letter describing meeting, location and date
· Copy of abstract
· Curriculum vitae
· Current GPA, transcripts not needed
· Proposed budget of travel costs
· Submit your completed application materials to:
Paul Fernyhough
Director Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders
St. Boniface Hospital Research
R4046 351 Tache Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6
How to apply for reimbursement: Reimbursement will be done in accordance
with St. Boniface Hospital travel policies. Request for reimbursement must
be done within 2 weeks following travel otherwise eligibility may be voided.
(contact: Kelly Jorundson kjorund(a)sbrc.ca)
Kelly Jorundson
Coordinator, Membership & Operations
Manitoba Neuroscience Network
Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA
Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca
Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092
.
******************************************
<http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710
<https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts>
cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480
<https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/>
cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>
cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480
cid:image001.jpg@01D158FE.B69B8D00
The MNN is pleased to announce that the 2019 Scientific Meeting will be held
JUNE 7. The meeting is co-chaired by Dr. Domenico Di Curzio and Dr. Renée
Douville and will be held at the University of Winnipeg. There is an
engaging program planned, featuring a visit and talk by Canadian Research
Council Chair in Developmental Neurogenetics Dr. Daniel Goldowitz
(University of British Columbia) a public lecture by Dr. Janice Robertson
(University of Toronto), a leading expert in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
neuropathology and therapeutic development. The scientific event will be
capped off with a networking mixer and neuroscience art silent auction at
the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
Abstracts and registrations are now being accepted. These links and the
program can be found at:
https://manitobaneuroscience.ca/annual-meeting/2019mnn/
Annual Scientific Meeting | Manitoba Neuroscience Network
manitobaneuroscience.ca
The abstract and registration deadline is MAY 10.
NEW this year the student meeting registration rate has been reduced to
only $15. Postdocs and community members are $25 and Faculty are $50.
Discounted rates apply if attending both scientific session and networking
mixer. You may pay by credit card or by University of Manitoba FOP. If you
pay by FOP, you will be registered for the meeting immediately, but your
payment will be pending. Once the FOP payment is processed, you will receive
a receipt and confirmation by email.
MNN Scientific Meeting inquiries should be sent to:
info(a)manitobaneuroscience.ca
-The MNN Team
Kelly Jorundson
Coordinator, Membership & Operations
Manitoba Neuroscience Network
Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA
Email: <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca> kjorund(a)sbrc.ca
Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092
.
******************************************
<http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/> cid:image003.jpg@01D159B3.9F0B9710
<https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts>
cid:image007.png@01D29326.7E26D480
<https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/>
cid:image009.jpg@01D29326.7E26D480 <https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>
cid:image010.png@01D29326.7E26D480