Cell-type specific regulation of interneuronal microcircuits in the cortex
Professor Ivan Soltesz, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine. http://www.anatomy.uci.edu/soltesz.html delivered the 7th David Smith Lecture on the 6th March 2012, followed by dinner at Brasenose College.
Professor Soltesz's research focuses on how brain cells communicate with each other and how the communication changes after fever-induced seizures in early childhood and after head injury. The general goal is to understand how neuronal networks function and dysfunction, in order to discover new therapies to prevent epilepsy.
Professor Soltesz was first a visiting undergraduate then completed his doctoral research in the Unit from 1989-1990 and was also a postdoctoral scientist.
The Lecture each year celebrates the vision of the previous Chair of Pharmacology and founding Director of the Unit, Prof. A. David Smith, currently Honorary Associate Director and Emeritus Professor, and the successful conclusion of the last quinquennial scientific review of the Unit.
To commemorate the Lecture, Prof. Soltesz received a laser engraved cherry wood plaque, designed by Unit Artist Ben Micklem and illustrating aspects of anatomical neuropharmacology at Oxford from molecules to the brain.
