March 12-16th 2018 marked Brain Awareness Week with neuroscientists meeting the public to talk about research.
New developments in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s research
OPDC's Imaging lead Professor Clare Mackay and Masud Husain, Professor of Neurology and Cognitive Neuroscience, spoke at a talk open to all about "New developments in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s research".
In this accessible and informative public talk they explored the latest research into the debilitating neurodegenerative disorders Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They showed how cutting edge research is: increasing our knowledge of the mechanisms causing these disorders, offering the prospect of earlier diagnosis and supporting the development of potential new therapies to slow the progression of the disease.
This talk will be available on the Oxford BRC website: https://oxfordbrc.nihr.ac.uk/videos/
MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit annual Schools Open Day
Almost 100 pupils and their teachers took the opportunity to visit and learn more about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at the MRC Brain Network Dynamic Unit. During their visits, pupils in small groups talked informally to Unit members about key concepts and challenges in brain research, as well as what it is like working in STEM. Special emphasis was also placed on giving pupils the opportunity to try some ‘hands on’ science and to see real working instruments and laboratories for themselves. Activities were coordinated around 6 ‘knowledge stations’, at which pupils could experience some of the Unit’s core research themes. OPDC's Paul Bolam spoke about the brain in health and Parkinson’s.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, and local Councillors Elizabeth Gillespie and Chris Wright, also visited to learn more about the brain research carried out at the Unit.
OPDC theme lead and MRC BNDU Deputy Director Peter Magill commented “Unit members were delighted to share their work with visitors, who in return were clearly enthusiastic and involved. Another fantastic Schools Open Day at the MRC BNDU. ”
The Unit’s Schools Open Day was one of many engaging events held at the University of Oxford during Brain Awareness Week 2018.