Memories are not static representations but evolve over time through consolidation and their progressive reorganization across distributed brain networks. This process allows memories to remain persistent while also becoming sufficiently flexible to guide behavior in novel situations. In this seminar, Gisella Vetere will discuss how memory engrams are reorganized from learning to remote recall and how distinct neuronal ensembles contribute to the balance between memory specificity and generalization. Combining activity-dependent neuronal tagging, circuit manipulations, and brain-wide analyses, her research seeks to uncover how memories are transformed over time and how these transformations shape adaptive—and potentially maladaptive—behavior.
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Thesis Directors: Prof. W. Gerstner, Dr J. M. Brea
\r\nNeuroscience doctoral program
\r\nThesis Nr. 11317
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\r\nTo take part in the public defense, please contact directly the speaker
Weekly BioEngineering Talks (Lunch Provided)
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\r\nINVITED SPEAKER:
\r\nFrom single-molecule biophysics with Graphene Energy Transfer to Brownian DNA computing
\r\nProf. Dr. Philip Tinnefeld, LMU Munich
\r\nHost: Prof. Aleksandra Radenovic
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\r\nAbstract:
\r\nGraphene-on-glass coverslips are an emerging microscopy platform as resonant energy transfer to graphene offers an axial ruler in the 5-40 nm range. I present single molecule biophysics experiments of protein/DNA interactions using Graphene Energy Transfer (GET) in combination with the discovery that dsDNA adopts a vertical orientation on graphene. Axial information of DNA structure and protein positions is deduced from GET-efficiency and xy-information is obtained e.g. by photon-efficient pMINFLUX revealing simultaneous bending and torsion of enzyme induced DNA conformations. Finally, I discuss how multi-color smFRET with dark quenchers probes states of DNA nanorobots and Brownian DNA computers that work close to the thermodynamic optimum.
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\r\nBio:
\r\nPhilip Tinnefeld is a Professor of Physical Chemistry at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, leading a highly interdisciplinary NanoBioSciences research group that brings together molecular biology, biophysics, nanophotonics, and physical chemistry. He specialises in single-molecule detection and super-resolution microscopy, and he uses DNA origami to build modular nanoscale devices—such as force sensors, fluorescence amplifiers, and molecular robots—that can sense, compute, and respond autonomously. Under his leadership, the lab is also developing advanced biosensing platforms and imaging tools by combining DNA nanotechnology with 2D materials like graphene, pushing the frontiers of how we observe and control biological processes at the molecular level.
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\r\nSTUDENT SPEAKER:
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\r\nUnderstanding oxidative stress response in animals - a case study of the essential enzyme adenosylhomocysteinase, AHCY
\r\nYong-Qi Gao, Zenk Lab
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\r\nBioEngineering Talks mandatory EDBB Seminar Attendance (1st-Year PhD Students)\r\n
The Doctoral School is glad to invite all first-year PhD candidates to join the annual PhD Welcome Event!
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\r\nWhat to expect:
\r\n- Meet the EPFL doctoral community, the administrators of the doctoral school and programs, the PhD associations
\r\n- Discover the many EPFL services dedicated to supporting and counseling students and researchers
\r\n- Get useful insights about your doctoral journey at EPFL, and the resources available to help you
\r\n- Enjoy free food & drinks, and connect with PhD candidates from all our programs and campuses!
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\r\nWho is it for?
\r\n- The event is open to EPFL PhD candidates who enrolled after November 2025. Registration is required.
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\r\nPhD candidates working outside Lausanne are especially encouraged to join. This event is a golden opportunity to discover the Lausanne campus and meet your peers! You may request travel support: please contact us via the registration form.
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\r\nDirect link to the registration form
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\r\nWe look forward to meeting you on November 5th!
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\r\nThe Doctoral School Administration Team (EDOC)
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Thesis Director: Prof. D. Constam,
\r\nMolecular Life Sciences doctoral program
\r\nThesis Nr. 11220
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\r\nTo take part in the public defense, please contact directly the speaker