Highlights from the Rising Topics in Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, Robotics, and AI Symposium
On 1 December 2025, more than 100 researchers met at the IMBIT for the annual Rising Topics in Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, Robotics, and AI Symposium, part of the BrainLinks–BrainTools research initiative. The event brought together early-career and senior scientists to discuss emerging methods, technologies, and conceptual developments in brain research.
Contributions form the Diester Lab
The Optophysiology Lab led by Prof. Dr. Ilka Diester participated with nine posters covering a range of topics including systems neuroscience, neurotechnology, and optophysiology. The contributions added to the diverse scientific program and fostered exchange across research areas.
Best Poster Award
During the poster sessions, Yara Baslan received the Best Poster Award for her work titled:
“PDMS-Based Cranial Windows”
Co-authors: Marvin Wienäcker, Philippe Coulon, Julian Ammer, Ilka Diester and Thomas Stieglitz.
The jury highlighted the project’s interdisciplinary nature and its innovative combination of microfabrication techniques and neuroscience applications.
A more detailed description of the award presentation can be found on the Förderverein Bio Freiburg website.
The symposium offered an opportunity for researchers from various fields to share their work and discuss new directions in neuroscience and technology development. Contributions from researchers in the early stages of their careers, played an important role in shaping these discussions. Prof. Ilka Diester encouraged everybody: “Get active—create your own dream project in the field of Intelligent Machines-Brain Interfaces with the support of the BrainLinks-BrainTools center.”