From molecules to networks: The dendritic processes that shape learning and memory

Neurons collect their synaptic input on large dendritic trees wherein these inputs are also integrated and processed. These mechanisms have been described already for several decades and brought forward many promising computational advantages. Yet, it has been the recent advance in optophysiological techniques that enables to measure dendritic activity in the intact brain of animals performing complex behavior tasks. New activity sensors, genetically engineered and tailored to report local dendritic signals opened new vistas and offer promising new research directions. At the same time, incorporating dendrites into deep neural networks has shown to improve their performance, reduce their energy requirements and allow learning continuously new content without forgetting previously acquired knowledge. The workshop brings together leading young and senior experts from the field covering experimental and computational work from the molecular to the systems level leading to new fundamental models and AI networks. The aim of the workshop is to exchange recently gained knowledge in a series of talks and to create new ideas in intense discussions.