Two-photon Functional Imaging Hub

Two-photon imaging and ensemble recordings, both conducted in behaving, task-performing animal models, are illuminating our understanding of how cognitive, perceptual and motor functions originate from the behaviour of large, cooperating populations of neurons. The UvA Facility Hub and Competence Centre offers access to a Leica fast resonant two-photon scanner and high-density ensemble recording setups using Neuropixels and other silicon probe configurations. The core expertise in electrophysiological, optical and behavioural recordings is supplemented by opto- and chemogenetics, large-scale data analysis centred on population decoding and computational modelling.

The UvA can host medium (2-6 months) or longer (>6 months) term projects for PhD students, postdocs and research staff who need to acquire multiple technical skills and/or want to acquire data for a project. Shorter or remote visits are possible for researchers wanting to learn individual skills related to data-analysis. Organising online and on-site courses and webinars for large groups is also possible.

The UvA harbours one of the largest groups for two-photon in vivo neuronal imaging and ensemble recordings in Europe, which is uniquely distinguished by its development of sophisticated behavioural paradigms testing multisensory perception, memory and consciousness, a high level of multidisciplinary integration and technical versatility.