Glasgow Connects its Undergraduates with Research Opportunities

18th Mar 2024

The Glasgow BNA Local Group, in collaboration with the Unviersity of Glasgow's Neuroscience Society, made headlines in February by hosting an interactive event AxonLink designed to support undergraduates to explore potential research pathways by connecting with established researchers. Glasgow-based BNA members had identified that there was a need among their local neuroscience community for more career support for local students, both to support the local student populations themselves and also to help local laboratories recruit the next generation of researchers.

The event involved three main activities, each with a different focus on furthering undergraduate student opportunities. The first activity involved a group ‘speed-dating’ style rotation around researcher-headed stations, where students could ask about their current research and the paths they took to get there. Next, special guest Dean Burnett – a neuroscientist-cum-comedian – provided a laugh-filled seminar about his personal experiences as he navigated his own career. The event concluded with a food and drinks reception that allowed the students to get to know the visiting researchers and each other on a more personal level. This contributed to the sense of community building within the GU Neuroscience Society and exemplified the inclusive nature of the University of Glasgow societies.

Hosted at the Wolfson Medical Building, the event recorded around forty attendees – the highest attendance at the time for the society. This has increased with subsequent events and highlights the positive impact AxonLink had in establishing a neuroscience community at Glasgow University. The event also had charity stalls from the BNA and the Anthony Nolan Stem Cell Register, where students could sign up and donate to their respective charities. Regarding future steps to support student careers, the 2024/2025 society president emphasised: “With the success of the last AxonLink we are hoping to host a similar – but bigger and better – event next year”. It can only benefit the neuroscience community as this society continues to create friendly environments for striving academics.

All in all, AxonLink was a huge success in providing opportunity and community for neuroscience students at the University of Glasgow and it couldn't have been achieved without the support of the British Neuroscience Association.

Could your local neuroscience community benefit from an event to support its innovation, collaboration, growth and development? Is there a need among your community that's felt strongly by many people? If you're a BNA member, why not contact your Local Group Representative to discuss making your idea a reality with up to £1000 in BNA funding.