Abstract
Neural circuits in the brain have the striking ability to encode sensory information with high precision, but also to adapt and modulate synaptic activity to allow memories to be formed. Cellular complexity in circuit organization is often a major obstacle when attempting to understand these processes. A comparably low number of neurons and powerful genetics allows us in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to tackle fundamental topics in neuroscience with unprecedented precision. Combining connectomics, in vivo physiological recordings and single-cell transcriptomics with advanced genetics manipulations and behavioural studies allows us deceiver fundamental principles in sensory coding and memory maintenance.