StratNeuro Retreat 2025: Advancing Neuroscience Together with NeurotechEU

On May 27–28, over 270 researchers, clinicians, and students gathered at the scenic Djurönäset conference center for the StratNeuro Retreat 2025. Hosted by the allied university of the European University of Brain and Technology (NeurotechEU), the Karolinska Institutet, the Strategic Research Area Neuroscience (StratNeuro)  retreat highlighted the power of international collaboration and interdisciplinary research within the field of neuroscience. Up to seven students from the NeurotechEU Alliance attended, their presence highlighted the retreat as a platform not only for showcasing research, but also for strengthening the shared vision of a more integrated and innovative European neuroscience landscape.

A major highlight of this year’s retreat was the participation of three speakers from NeurotechEU: Chris Beckmann and Davis Norris from the Medical Centre of the Radboud University and Eva Christina Schulte from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy & Institute of Human Genetics of the University of Bonn.

The retreat featured an exceptional scientific program with internationally renowned keynote speakers:

• György Buzsáki (NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA) captivated the audience with his talk on “Mechanisms of Memory Selection and Consolidation”, exploring how the brain filters and stores memories.
• Mackenzie Mathis (EPFL, Switzerland) presented on “Measuring Neuro Latent Dynamics”, discussing cutting-edge tools for tracking and interpreting complex behavior.
• Conor Liston (Cornell University, USA) shared new insights on “Probing and Rescuing Dysfunctional Brain Circuits in Depression”, bridging systems neuroscience and psychiatry.

In addition to these keynotes, the retreat showcased a wide array of talks from the StratNeuro community, spanning topics such as neurodegenerative mechanisms, cortical circuit dynamics, psychiatric disorders, pain, and human neuroimaging. Both established group leaders and early-career researchers took the stage, reflecting the depth and diversity of the neuroscience ecosystem at KI and beyond.

Complementing the talks, 180 posters lined the retreat halls, offering snapshots of neuroscience research across KI and its partners. A fast-paced poster blitz session gave PhD students and postdocs the chance to pitch their projects in 90 seconds, sparking lively discussions that carried into the breaks and networking sessions.

With the sun shining over the Stockholm archipelago, participants enjoyed moments of reflection and exchange in an inspiring setting—one that matched the energy and ambition of the scientific program.

As NeurotechEU continues to grow, joint gatherings like the StratNeuro Retreat exemplify the strength of cross-border collaboration in neuroscience. We look forward to deepening these connections and welcoming even more joint initiatives in the future!