Annual Public Lecture

Edinburgh Neuroscience Christmas public lecture.

Annual Christmas Public Lecture

Every December, Edinburgh Neuroscience hosts a public lecture. It's an opportunity to emerge from our labs, reach beyond the scientific world, and share an aspect of current research.  We explore how one or more aspects of research make a meaningful difference in our understanding of brain development, disorders and effective treatments. 

Highlights from recent years are included below. Details of our 2025 lecture will be posted to our events page [insert link] shortly. 

Recordings can be found on our YouTube channel. 

 

2024

Stages of developing foetus on black background

Born small and vulnerable; shining a light on the lives of people born too soon or too small

Speakers:

Drawing on both ongoing research and lived experience, James and Lauren discussed the kinds of problems that people who were born prematurely can develop -  including difficulties with learning and behaviour. Understanding the causes of these problems might help us develop new treatments to help children who are born too soon or too small get the best start in life as well ensuring that approaches to their ongoing healthcare are appropriate. 

2023

Judy Newton and Suvanker Pal portraits

Changing the conversation and transforming lives of people with Motor Neuron Disease

Speakers:

  • Judy Newton, MND Nurse Consultant and Deputy Director, Clinic and Nurse Manager at the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic.
  • Suvanker Pal, Professor of Neurodegenerative Disorders and Clinical Trials and Honorary Consultant Neurologist.  

Together, Judy and Suvanker discuss the history and treatment of MND as well as the ever-evolving innovations to assist people in their daily lives and current research directions and achievements. 

2022

Portrait of Heather Whalley with Christmas tree and border

An alternative Christmas Carol: Spirits of Neuroscience and Mental Health- Past, Present and Future

Speaker: 

  • Heather Whalley, Professor of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Heather talks about the use and power of imaging to better understand human behaviour, human health and mental health. 

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