International experts gather in Leioa for an ENLIGHT Minisymposium on Autism Research

27 Apr 2026

Researchers explore the connections between molecular, circuitry, and behavioral research in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Researchers from University of the Basque Country (EHU) and ACHUCARRO hosted the ENLIGHT International Minisymposiumin focused on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) – Bridging Molecular, Circuitry and Behavioral perspectives, in the Sede building at the Science Park in Leioa.

This symposium was organized by researchers Olga Peñagarikano (EHU) and María Domercq (ACHUCARRO & EHU), within the scope of ENLIGHT, one of the European university alliances, focused on transforming higher education to promote sustainability, equity, and global engagement.

The day featured a comprehensive scientific program divided into expert lectures and a dedicated session for emerging researchers:

Opening and Early Sessions: Olga Peñagarikano opened the event. Initial presentations included Jan Bakos (Comenius University) discussing the roles of Oxytocin, Dopamine, and GABA in autism etiology, followed by Arjen Boender (Achucarro) on social diversity in comparative neuroscience.
Circuitry and Cognitive Research: Melanie Ginger (University of Bordeaux) presented findings on prefrontal alterations in Fmr1KO mice , while co-organizer María Domercq detailed how early myelin alterations drive circuit dysfunction in Cntnap2-/- models.
Molecular and Sensory Explorations: Ugo Mayor (EHU) explored autism pathways through Angelman Syndrome models. Andreas Frick (University of Bordeaux) then examined the neocortical underpinnings of atypical sensory experiences.
Young Scientists’ Presentations: The final session highlighted the work of four rising researchers:
- Barbora Bugar Bodorova on oxytocin and synaptic proteins.
- Aitor Gutiérrez Jiménez on AAV platforms for dissecting the social brain.
- María Prieto on dopamine dysfunction in ASD models.
- Eva Sebakova on the link between fecal bile acids and gastrointestinal symptoms in ASD.