“Relational learning & memory in zebrafish: The question of translational relevance and evolutionary conservation”

Dr. Robert T. Gerlai received his Ph.D. from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences with the highest distinction in 1987. He has held numerous academic positions in Europe and North America (Eötvös University of Budapest, Mount Sinai Hospital Research Institute of Toronto, Indiana University and Purdue University Indianapolis, University of Hawaii Honolulu). He also held leadership positions in the US biotechnology and biopharmaceutical research industry working as a Senior Research Scientist and Vice President (Genentech Inc. South San Francisco, Eli Lilly & Co. Indianapolis, Saegis Pharmaceuticals Half Moon Bay) before joining University of Toronto (Mississauga campus) in 2004, where he has been full professor at the Department of Psychology since 2008 and where he currently holds the John Carlin Roder Distinguished Professor in Behavioural Neuroscience position.

Abstract:

Analysis of the zebrafish allows one to combine two distinct scientific approaches, comparative ethology and neurobehavioral genetics. Furthermore, this species arguably represents an optimal compromise between system complexity and practical simplicity.  In his talk, Dr. Gerlai will present evidence that the zebrafish is an excellent model for learning and memory studies as it has face, predictive and construct validity.  He will show that zebrafish possess a complex form of learning ability, relational learning and memory.  He will also discuss how analysis of the zebrafish may allow one to better understand the evolution of and the mechanisms underlying this complex brain function.