Professor Narender Ramnani Steps into Presidency at the British Neuroscience Association

29th Apr 2025

Narender Ramnani takes over from Tara Spires-Jones as President of the BNA at the BNA2025 International Festival of Neuroscience in Liverpool.

Professor Ramnani officially begins his term at the helm of the UK's largest organisation dedicated to representing and promoting neuroscience and neuroscientists at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 29^th April 2025.

Professor Ramnani is a distinguished Professor of Neuroscience at Royal Holloway, University of London, where his research group uses functional neuroimaging to understand brain organisation, and brain mechanisms that govern higher cognitive function, learning processes, and the control of action. He is also Vice Dean for EDI at Royal Holloway’s School of Life Sciences and the Environment. Beyond his university roles, he is a member of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee APPG Advisory Group. He also makes contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion through his contributions to the BNA Scholars programme, his role on the BBSRC's Expert EDI Advisory Group and his governance role as a member of the Governance Committee of Advance HE's Race Equality Charter. A commitment to fostering a strong, collaborative, and inclusive research community underscores the priorities he brings to the Presidency.

Image: Professor Ramnani outside No.10 Downing Street ahead of the 2024 Vaisakhi celebrations as trustee for the Sindhi Community House in London.

Professor Ramnani also brings a long history of service to the BNA, spanning over twenty years. His commitment to the Association was previously recognised with the BNA's highest distinction, lifetime Honorary Membership – an honour bestowed upon only a small number of individuals. Among his notable roles, Professor Ramnani served as Chair of the Programme Organising Committee during a transformative period when the BNA pioneered the concept of a 'Festival of Neuroscience'. This initiative, which he was instrumental in launching and steering, created and continues to provide a unique, collaborative forum for diverse neuroscience organisations to converge and share advancements.

Professor Ramnani says:

“I am thrilled and honoured to step into the role of BNA President. I look forward to working with an outstanding Executive Team and the many dedicated members of BNA's Council, committees, and local groups. My focus will be on doing the work needed to promote the interests of our members, move the needle on improving the culture of research, find ways to strengthen core scientific values, and help to make UK neuroscience ever more inclusive.”

Nominated by members of the BNA, President of the BNA is a prestigious role and has been previously occupied by leading UK neuroscientists including John O’Keefe, Nancy Rothwell and David Nutt. Together, the President-Elect, along with the President and Past-President, act as a figurehead of the BNA, representing the BNA externally, and helping develop the BNA’s overarching strategic direction, aims and activities.

Image: From left – Professor Tara Spires-Jones (Immediate-Past BNA President), Professor Julie Williams (BNA President-Elect), Professor Narender Ramnani (BNA President) and Dr Laura Ajram (Chief Executive).

The BNA looks forward to Professor Ramnani's leadership as it continues its mission to advance the field of neuroscience.

BNA Chief Executive, Dr Laura Ajram says:

"I am delighted to welcome Narender as the new President of the BNA. With his exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to neuroscience, I am confident he will guide the organisation into an exciting new chapter. We look forward to working together to continue advancing our goals and making a meaningful impact."