BNA highlights brain resilience at the 2024 Festive Symposium

18th Dec 2024

The British Neuroscience Association was delighted to host the 2024 Festive Symposium: The Resilient Brain, in Leeds last week on 10th December at the iconic Metropolitan Hotel.

This seasonal symposium brought together 160 leading researchers, clinicians, and students to explore how the brain adapts to challenges, builds resilience, and maintains function in the face of adversity.


Above L-R: The Met Suite looked Festive with fairy lights; Talitha Kerigan (BNA LGR co-ordinator, BNA President Professor Tara Spires-Jones and BNA Trustee Kevin Cox; BNA Resident Book Reviewer Brenda Walker and BNA Marketing Assistant, Nina McLean; a jam-packed audience awaits

The day began with a warm welcome from the BNA President Professor Tara Spires-Jones setting the stage for an exciting programme of talks and discussions. Sessions covered a variety of relevant topics, including Brain Plasticity and Resilience: How neural networks adapt to stress and injury, Resilience in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights into slowing disease progression and Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Their role in promoting brain health. 

During the prize-giving ceremony, President-Elect Professor Narender Ramnani presented Pheobe Reynolds (KCL), (shown in image left), with the 2024 Public Engagement of Neuroscience Award, and acknowledged 2024 Postgraduate Prize Winner, Lydia Hickman (University of Cambridge) and 2024 Undergraduate Prize Winner, Alex Voce (KCL), who will receive their awards at the BNA2025 International Festival of Neuroscience in April 2025 in Liverpool.

A distinguished lineup of speakers shared their expertise, including Tom Manly, Cambridge (Neurorehabilitation following TBI and stroke), Susannah Walker, Liverpool (Resilience to Stress), Liat Levita, Sussex (Resilient mental health in adolescents),Samit Chakrabarty, Leeds (Rehabilitation after TBI), Dan Ridley, Lilly (The Brain Health Coalition), Michelle Kelly, Ireland (Brain health for early stage dementia),  and concluding with a plenary session from Henne Holstege, Alzheimer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC who shared her fascinating 100+ study. 

It was humbling to see so many members of the BNA community come together for this inspiring event, and we were graced by a very special guest, Brenda Walker, the BNA's 90-year old Associate Member and Resident Book Reviewer.

We especially acknowledge The Company of Biologists for their Green Travel Grant fund which supported some BNA members to come to the symposium, including Anna Jansson and Ailie McWhinnie (image right), from the University of Cambridge. 

Anna said:
"I am truly grateful to The Company of Biologists, without whom I would not have been able to attend the Festive symposium today."

The Company of Biologists was able to support 24 attendees in total. 
We are deeply thankful to all our supporters including The Guarantors of Brain, Alzheimer's Research UK and Pharmidex. 

14 presenters showcased their research during a vibrant networking drinks reception and poster session which took place following the scientific programme. This was the first time a poster session had taken place during the Festive Symposium and we were delighted to be able to give the presenters the opportunity to gain feedback on their research (or plans for research) in this way.

L-R: The poster session and drinks networking reception in full swing; The BNA Exec Team

The BNA extends thanks to all the speakers, sponsors, and attendees who contributed to making this event such a success. 

Please do look out for future events hosted by the BNA including the BNA2025 International Festival of Neuroscience in Liverpool in April 2025.