Neural Engineering Summer School 2025:
Inspiring the Next Generation of Researchers
At the end of August, we were proud to host the second edition of the Neural Engineering Summer School (NESS). Organized by the Bioelectronics Materials and Devices and Applied Neuroscience research groups at the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), the school aims to introduce talented undergraduate students to the fascinating and rapidly growing field of Neural Engineering.
Our goal is simple yet ambitious: to provide a comprehensive and hands-on introduction to the field, and perhaps even inspire students to pursue their future careers in neural engineering.
A Truly International Experience
This year marked a special milestone — for the first time, the summer school opened its doors to international participants and was conducted entirely in English. We were delighted to receive a large number of applications from students across the globe. Due to the highly practical nature of our workshops, we could only accommodate 21 students from 10 different countries, ensuring each participant received a rich and immersive experience.
From Single Neurons to the Human Brain
The program began with a concise but thorough theoretical introduction to neural engineering, giving students the foundation needed for the week ahead. The rest of the schedule was dedicated to intensive, hands-on workshops, carefully designed to cover the breadth of the field.
Participants learned how to record and visualize neuronal activity, how to stimulate the nervous system in different ways, and how to fabricate cutting-edge neurotechnology devices. This progression allowed students to truly experience neural engineering from single neurons to complex systems.
Building Community Beyond the Lab
On the final day, students, lecturers, and organizers gathered for an informal barbecue, providing a relaxed setting to exchange ideas, reflect on the week’s achievements, and build personal connections. The mix of science, discussion, and fun made the event a memorable closing to an inspiring week.
Looking Ahead
Both participants and organizers agreed: NESS 2025 was a rewarding and enjoyable experience. We are already looking forward to building on this success and preparing the next edition of the school. Stay tuned for updates!
Acknowledgements
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our home institution CEITEC, as well as our partner universities, Brno University of Technology and Masaryk University. Special thanks also go to our sponsors, Digitimer and Cardion, whose generous support made the organization of NESS possible.
If you would like to stay updated about the next edition of NESS, make sure to follow our social media for upcoming announcements.
