International mini-symposium 2025

An international minisymposium was held at the Faculty od Medicine at Comenius University Bratislava, dedicated to advancing education in neurodevelopmental disorders and the comparison of animal models.

20. 10. 2025 15.54 hod.

On October 6, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University Bratislava hosted an international mini-symposium with a workshop for medical students and early-career researchers in the field of medical neuroscience.

The event was organized by Associate Professor Ján Bakoš as part of the Enlight+ project, which focuses on advanced education in neurodevelopmental disorders and the use of animal models. During the conference, Professor Daniela Ostatníková, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, introduced the activities and mission of the Academic Center for Autism Research. Among the distinguished guests was Professor Andreas Frick from the University of Bordeaux, France, who delivered a lecture on sensory changes in animals with Fragile X syndrome. Professor Olga Penagarikano from the University of the Basque Country, Spain presented relationship between brain reward systems and autism symptomatology. Additional contributions from guests representing France, Hungary, and Slovakia addressed the pathogenesis of autistic symptoms observed in various animal models of autism as well as in humans.

The event attracted medical students, PhD students in medical neuroscience, experts, and guests from related scientific disciplines. Graduates and PhD students researching neurodevelopmental disorders and autism spectrum conditions, along with young physicians and psychologists, actively participated in the student section and workshop. The workshop was interactive and aimed at developing specific skills, enhancing participants’ abilities to secure grants, and supporting attendance at international events and courses.The conference concluded with awards for the best presentations, given to doctoral candidate María Prieto-Pizarro from Spain and Maren Bindel, a student at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava.