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Title: “Optogenetics” Chair: Thomas Nevian, University of Bern Optogenetics comprises techniques for the genetic manipulation of cells to express light-sensitive proteins. Optogenetics is a rapidly growing field in neurobiology and it holds many promises in basic neuroscience research as well as future clinical applications. Genetically encoded light-activatable proteins allow the electrical or biochemical control of neuronal function with light. Especially channelrhodopsin, a light-activated ion channel can be used to activate a defined population of neurons with light, which has many advantages over conventional electrical stimulation methods. In this workshop, three distinct speakers will present different aspects of optogenetic approaches. Georg Nagel, who is one of the scientists that discovered channelrhodopsin will talk about recent advances in the field of optogenetics. Thomas Oertner will show how optogenetic approaches can be used to study synaptic plasticity, while Botond Roska will give insight into how this technique might be clinically relevant in the visual system. Lectures: 1. Introduction Thomas Nevian, University of Bern 2. Characterization and application of microbial photoreceptors Georg Nagel, University of Würzburg 3. Long-term depression: Adjusting synaptic strength or changing network connectivity? Thomas Oerter, Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel 4. Cell types, circuits and repair Botond Roska, Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel