A hands-on course held in Kuopio introduced students and researchers to the fundamental principles of electrophysiology, with a particular focus on applications involving human cells and tissues. The short course was the first national event organised under the new Finnish Electrophysiology Platform (FinE), which has been granted a core facility status by Biocenter Finland.
Advances in electrophysiology and human cell technologies reshape neuroscience
Recent advancements in human stem cell technologies and access to fresh human tissue, along with the integration of electrophysiology, are reshaping neuroscience research. High-resolution multielectrode array tools and high-sensitive voltage indicators enable scientists to precisely map and monitor electrical activity in cells, organoids and tissues. Together with powerful machine learning and computational modelling, these tools are opening new frontiers in understanding the electrical language of living systems.
FinE offers wider access to electrophysiology infrastructures
Electrophysiological experiments often rely on highly specialised, state-of-the-art equipment and skilled personnel, which is why access to them has traditionally been limited to research groups already possessing the necessary tools and expertise. In 2024, Biocenter Finland (BF) granted core facility status to electrophysiology infrastructures at three universities, establishing the BF–Finnish Electrophysiology Platform (FinE). This national platform is designed to break down technical and knowledge-related barriers by offering shared facilities, comprehensive training, and expert services to both academic and non-academic users – regardless of their prior experience in electrophysiology. FinE supports a broad range of applications and provides multilevel expertise, enabling users to design and conduct experiments across diverse in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo model systems.
The first FinE course sparked interest
The first joint FinE meeting and short course was hosted by FinE-UEF Core facility of in vitro and ex vivo electrophysiology and Professor Tarja Malm at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio. The course, titled “Electrophysiological Techniques to Measure and Interpret Human Neuron Functions”, took place on May 12–13, 2025, and also aimed to strengthen collaboration between core facilities and foster a dynamic network of neuroscientists and electrophysiology experts across Finland. Nearly 70 participants included students, faculty members and visitors from the other two FinE core facilities, FinE-TAU at Tampere University and FinE-UH at the University of Helsinki.
”I was thrilled to see so many participants in the symposium. It clearly reflects the scientific community's growing interest in these emerging technologies,” Malm said.
“The course has definitely sparked new ideas and collaborations, and I’m hopeful it will continue to attract new users to our core facility services."
Hands-on demos, student presentations and lectures by leading experts
The course offered lectures by leading experts in the field. Dr. Soraya Meftah of the University of Edinburg presented on the neurophysiological characterisation of synaptic, neuronal, and network dysfunctions caused by amyloid aggregates. Professor Marco Canepari of the French Institute of Health and Medical Research, INSERM, delivered an in-depth overview of action potential dynamics, emphasising their initiation at the axon initial segment through the rapid activation of voltage-gated sodium channels. Professor Mark Harnett of the MIT McGovern Institute, USA, explored the role of dendritic spines in mammalian neurons, highlighting their contribution to information processing and the complex computations underlying behavior.
FinE is committed to supporting students by providing an encouraging environment to develop their presentation skills. The course’s student presentations offered a comprehensive overview of electrophysiological research being conducted across the various core facilities.
The course also featured demonstrations of advanced patch-clamp technologies at the FinE-UEF core facility, offering a unique opportunity for the participants to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art electrophysiology tools and to explore their applications in real-world research settings. Presenters engaged actively with the students, addressing questions and providing practical insights into experimental design, data analysis, and system capabilities.
In addition, live demonstrations were given by Axion Biosystems and MaxWell Biosystems, two leading companies in the field.
The positive feedback received from participants sparked discussion about the future of the event. There is growing interest in making it a regular meeting that would rotate between the different core facilities, further strengthening collaboration and community within the FinE network.
