Synapsium is an annual neuroscience symposium hosted by Dondrite, the student association of the MSc Cognitive Neuroscience at Radboud University Nijmegen. Organized by and for students, we take pride in connecting the latest generations of researchers as we give them a platform to present their own research, invite them to stimulating presentations and workshops, and motivate cross-institutional exchange. Next to this, there will be a keynote presentation of an established researcher and a panel discussion to discuss the latest topics in Cognitive Neuroscience together!
We warmly invite you to follow us on our social media – Linkedin and Dondrite’s Instagram – and here on the website for further news and updates!
Listed below are the current comittee members. Synapsium is organised every year by enthousiastic and passionate Dondrite members who want to do a little something extra. Do you want to know more about who is who and what that person does? You can hover over every members’ picture to learn their name and task within the comittee!
Chair
Hey everyone! I am Teresa but you can call me Tess. I am very excited to come back to Synapsium this year! I study Artificial Intelligence, but I am very interested in the intersection of AI and neuroscience. I love exploring the brain in all its different aspects, and try to know a bit of everything! Apart from my studies, I love dancing, cooking, playing music, learning new crafts, and of course planning symposiums 😉. I hope to see you here this year!
Chair
Hey everyone, I’m Jorge! I’m a second-year CNS master’s student specializing in Natural Computing and Neurotechnology, with a keen interest in how we can use these tools to address clinical challenges. When I’m not thinking about the brain, you can find me at the pool, the gym, or relaxing with my latest read or a great album. After an amazing experience last year, I’m really excited to be back for another Synapsium! Really looking forward to seeing you all there!
Secretary
Hi! My name is Dimitra and I am a first year student in the cognitive neuroscience master specializing in natural computing and neurotechnology. I really enjoy math, human behaviour and the brain, so I am excited to mix them together! When I am not in uni I will probably be at a dance studio or at a beautiful place taking photos! I cannot wait for this year’s symposium and would be happy to see you there!
Internal PR Manager
Hey everyone! I’m Niki, a second-year master’s student in Cognitive Neuroscience, following the Development and Lifelong Plasticity track. I’m thrilled by how sleep – especially in the earliest stages of life – can support and shape neurodevelopment and long-term outcomes. Beyond academia, you’ll probably find me singing, baking something sweet, planning my next trip, or chasing the sun – not the easiest task in the Netherlands. I’m excited to be organizing this year’s Synapsium and can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on! See you there! 😊
External PR Manager
Hi! I’m Shriya, a first year master’s student in Cognitive Neuroscience in the Natural Computing and Neurotechnology track. I’m fascinated by how neurotechnology and neural prosthetics can help the brain stay connected and adapt, especially in the context of neurodegenerative and neurological conditions. Outside of research, I love dancing, travelling, and trying out new recipes. I’m really excited to be part of Synapsium 2026, see you there!
Program Manager
Hi all! I’m Ivona, first-year Master’s student in Cognitive Neuroscience, where I am refining my ever-growing interest in how the brain and mind works. More specifically, I am interested in mental health, dreams, sleep and altered states of consciousness, and how all of these research topics translate to clinical settings. In my free time you can find me deep in discussion with people dear to me, reading books or replaying Superliminal for the 357th time. I am excited to be a part of this years’ Synapsium organising team and I hope to see you there!
Program Manager
Hey everyone! I am Zoi, a first year master’s student in Cognitive Neuroscience, following the Perception, Action & Perception track. I’m passionate about everything brain-related and hoping to expand my knowledge while refining my research interest. Outside of my studies, you’ll most likely find me chatting with friends, socializing, or watching movies. I am also thrilled to be part of the organizing team for Synapsium 2026. Looking forward to seeing you there and hopefully inspiring you with research!
Logistics Manager
Hi! My name is Toral and I’m a second year CNS student in the language and communication track. I’m mainly interested in studying language acquisition and auditory processing, but I generally enjoy learning about anything related to science and how the world works. Outside of studies, I enjoy reading, music, knitting, and hiking. I’m excited to be planning Synapsium for 2026!
Treasurer
Hi everyone! I’m Sam, a first-year CNS student in the Perception, Action & Decision-making track. This is where everyone states their main curiosity, but for me that’s pretty much everything related to the more fundamental neuroscience (choosing an internship will be fun!). Besides academics, I really like sports or trying to convince myself I like reading more than doom-scrolling. See you in April!
Dondrite Board Supervisor
Helloo! My name is Kate and I’m a second-year CNS student in the Development and Lifelong Plasticity track. I’m fascinated by brain development, neuroplasticity, and the neural mechanisms that shape learning, emotion, and behavior. When I’m not in the lab stimulating brains or analysing or in uni, I enjoy travelling, exploring new places, and reading. I’m really excited to be part of the Synapsium committee and hope to see you in April!