From 19–22 May 2026, Heraklion, Crete hosted the EMBO Workshop Dendrites and Beyond: Properties, Function and Contributions to Network Processing, bringing together leading scientists from across molecular, biophysical, anatomical, computational, and systems neuroscience, as well as researchers working in neuro-inspired artificial intelligence.
Organised by Panayiota Poirazi (Research Director, IMBB-FORTH), Lucy Palmer (Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, AU) and Mark Harnett (MIT, USA), the meeting provided a unique interdisciplinary forum to advance our understanding of how dendrites contribute to cognition and neurological disease. Participants exchanged ideas and discussed recent advances spanning multiple levels of investigation, from cellular mechanisms to network function and computational models.
Beyond the scientific program, the workshop fostered an engaging and highly interactive atmosphere that encouraged discussion and collaboration beyond traditional presentations. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting early-career researchers through dedicated sessions addressing work–life balance, mentorship across career stages, and career opportunities both within and beyond academia.
Through open discussions and collaborative experiences, the meeting inspired new perspectives on the role of dendrites in brain function and dysfunction, paving the way for future discoveries in neuroscience. The workshop highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and strengthened connections within the international neuroscience community.
