“How does the brain work?” has been among the most frequently asked questions for more than centuries. Elucidation of molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain function is a prerequisite to understand its pathologies and to develop novel and better therapies. Prompted by exciting discoveries of recent years, many academic research groups are currently focussing their research on the field of neuron-glia interactions for a better understanding of brain function. The private sector, in particular the pharmaceutical industry is also paying more and more attention to the role of neuroglia in various neuropathologies.

Neuroscientists with a strong knowledge in neuron-glia interactions are of paramount importance for a prosperous development in all European countries. To meet this need for outstanding young neuroscientists in academia and industry, the innovative European Training Network “EU-GliaPhD” brings together recognized European scientists with partners from the private sector, to enable EU-GliaPhD fellows to study neuron-glia interactions at the molecular, cellular and systems level in the healthy and the diseased brain. Novel insight delivered by EU-GliaPhD may serve as basis for the development of novel strategies in treating brain disorders.

Innovative Training Networks (ITN) aim to promote the scientific and general competencies of young scientists in a structured way within an international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral research and training programme. This new generation of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative young scientists should be able to face current and future challenges and to transform knowledge and ideas into products and services for economic and social benefit.