Unit researchers recently brought cutting-edge neuroscience to the public through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations at this year’s New Scientist Live event, held in London from 12th to 14th October. New Scientist Live is a huge festival of ideas and discoveries, showcasing the latest in science and technology, with an attendance of over 25,000 people. Visitors to the MRC BNDU stand were invited to immerse themselves in the latest advances in neuroscience, exploring how researchers can decode brain signals to understand movement, memory, and early indicators of neurological disorders.

The Unit stand was a hub of hands-on activities, offering visitors a chance to see a brain-machine interface (BMI) in action and to witness how these innovative technologies may transform communication and interaction. Visitors were talked through each activity by some of the Unit’s early-career researchers. Postdoctoral researcher Shenghong He demonstrated the potential of BMI by spelling words on a screen using signals from his brain, recorded by an electroencephalogram (EEG) cap. This demonstration captivated audiences and led to discussions about how we can utilise brain waves in the future.

Another popular activity at the Unit stand was the chance to look through a fluorescence microscope and observe dopamine cells in the brain. This special experience allowed visitors to see firsthand the cellular structures that play a crucial role in the brain’s movement and reward circuits, sparking insightful conversations about how studying these cells is essential to understanding complex brain functions and changes in brain conditions such as Parkinson’s.

Visitors were also introduced to other innovative research methods, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive technique that enables scientists to stimulate nerve cells and cause responses like muscle twitches. Young attendees were especially delighted to use the TMS machine to stimulate the researchers’ muscles!

Visitor feedback from the event reflected the enthusiasm and curiosity sparked by the MRC BNDU stand. When asked to describe their visit in one word, feedback was overwhelmingly positive: attendees called the experience “informative,” “fascinating,” “awe-inspiring,” and “super interesting.” The Unit team’s interactions with attendees further solidified the experience as a highlight, with one visitor remarking on the “amazing experience” and “wonderful presenters.”

The third day of New Scientist Live is a dedicated Schools’ Day with an attendance of 7,500 students. Pupils visiting the MRC BNDU stand were able to discuss not only the research carried out at the Unit, but also talk with postdoctoral staff and students about careers in STEM. Following this, 77% of respondents said that they “would be more likely to consider a career as a brain researcher.”

Natalie Doig, Co-Chair of the BNDU Public Engagement Committee, reflected, “This event offered a valuable opportunity for Unit researchers to connect with the public, engaging a diverse audience in meaningful discussions about brain research and future treatments. Ultimately, we hope to inspire the next generation of neuroscientists! A massive thank you to all Unit members involved.”

Come and explore the brain’s hidden symphony! Set-up of the MRC BNDU Stand at New Scientist Live 2024.

Unit researcher Polytimi Frangou and student Lauryn Foster demonstrate how you can use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to stimulate the motor cortex get a resulting twitch in the hand. 

Unit researcher Shenghong He uses his own brain waves, as recorded with EEG, to show how the signals can change dramatically when he closes his eyes.

Visitors to the stand were invited to watch the Unit’s latest documentary about brain research produced in partnership with Oxford Sparks.

Members of the Sharott group recently travelled to Berlin to participate in the International Electrophysiology Skills Days Meeting supported by Professor Andrew Sharott's Einstein Fellowship. The meeting brought together researchers from the Einstein Berlin-Oxford Fellowship, ReTune, and AdaptPD consortia across the field of electrophysiology.

Andrew delivered a keynote lecture on translational development of closed-loop brain stimulation approaches which explored the group’s pioneering research in brain circuit mechanisms and deep brain stimulation interventions. Several members of the Sharott group delivered talks on clinical and pre-clinical electrophysiology techniques and data analysis methods and participated in a vibrant poster session.

Sharott group members commented that the meeting ‘provided a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge on key electrophysiology techniques’ and that it ‘facilitated discussions on the latest developments in the field of electrophysiology’.

Overall, the meeting promoted international collaboration and strongly showcased the cutting-edge electrophysiology research being undertaken within the Sharott group at the BNDU.

Our congratulations go to Unit D.Phil. student Jessica Myatt for successfully defending her doctoral thesis, entitled “Enhancing motor cortical theta and gamma oscillations using closed-loop phase-dependent optogenetic stimulation”, in her viva voce examination on 17th September 2024.

Jessica’s viva examiners were Dr. Ines Violante (King’s College London) and Associate Professor Helen Barron (University of Oxford).

Jessica was supervised in the Unit by Professor Andrew Sharott and Professor Charlotte Stagg.

Many congratulations to Unit Group Leader Professor Tim Denison on the announcement today of his election to the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

The Royal Academy of Engineering is an independent body in the UK, seeking to harness the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. Fellowship of the Academy is based on exceptional contributions to the field of engineering and technology. A small number of new Fellows are elected each year.

Tim commented “This recognition reflects the efforts of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, clinicians and entrepreneurs. I would particularly like to thank the research participants who have volunteered over the years, without whom the new frontiers of treatments could not be explored.”

Unit Director Professor Peter Magill commented “We are all thrilled for Tim. This honour is richly deserved. Tim is a true pioneer of biomedical engineering. His state-of-the-art tools have not only advanced neuroscience discovery research but also led to tangible benefits to human health and wellbeing.”

On 13th July, Unit researchers Demi Brizee and Joram van Rheede shared some of the MRC BNDU’s innovative science with the public attending the Science Wonder Garden Party at the University of Oxford Begbroke Science Park. The Garden Party aimed to engage people of all ages with the amazing science taking place around the University of Oxford and beyond.

Brain Waves and Brain Health

Demi, a PhD student at the Unit, took part in the Oxford Sparks Live session and spoke about brain waves and their role in brain function. Demi’s presentation centred on the Unit’s public outreach video "The Symphony of the Brain”, created in partnership with Oxford Sparks, and showcased how brain waves can be recorded and used to understand the brain in health as well as to potentially treat conditions affecting the brain. Demi’s talk was part of a session that featured five other Oxford Sparks videos and researchers, followed by a 'meet the scientist' Q&A session that helped the audience directly engage with the researchers. Demi's talk clearly impressed the audience, with one member of the public enthusing, “This was truly amazing!”

Spotlight on Biomedical Engineering

Joram, a Senior Postdoctoral Neuroscientist at the Unit, took part in the 'Spotlight on Engineering' public engagement talks organised by Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science. Joram’s presentation was focused on the interaction between sleep and deep brain stimulation therapy, highlighting the Unit’s collaborative efforts in this area of research. During his workshop, Joram made good use of creative metaphors to explain his science, encouraging the audience to actively engage with the ideas underpinning his work.

Demi and Joram particularly enjoyed the insightful questions from the audience. The family-friendly environment, live music, food stalls, and good weather all helped to make this a highly successful outreach event.

On 9th July, we met again with members of our Patient and Public Advisory Group to canvass their views on the Unit’s research direction and plans. The Advisory Group is made up of people with lived experience, as patients and carers, of diverse neurological and psychiatric conditions. The meeting started with Unit Director Professor Peter Magill giving a summary of a 15-year collective research vision. This was followed by a lively discussion and Q & A session with the Group, moderated by the Unit’s Patient and Public Involvement Lead Associate Professor Melanie Fleming. Conversations were centred around a range of topics, from patient needs and concerns to research priorities and on to emerging neurotechnology options for therapy.

Professor Magill commented, “Proactively involving the public helps ensure that our research tackles the most important healthcare challenges in the right ways to give greatest impact. The conversations with our Advisory Group were constructive and decisive, and their insights and steer were once again really helpful.”

Professor Fleming added, “This second meeting was another valuable opportunity to reflect on some key issues, and we look forward to working with our public partners again soon.”

Congratulations to Unit postdoctoral researcher Dr. Shenghong He on winning the Director’s Award for Public Engagement for 2024.

The Award recognises and celebrates the exemplary contributions of individuals or a small collective to the Unit’s extensive Outreach programme. The Award is given annually (this being the ninth occasion), on the basis of nominations made by Unit members.

Shenghong’s Award was announced by Unit Director Professor Peter Magill at a special ceremony held at the Unit’s Science Day last week.

Professor Magill commented “It gives us all great pleasure to reward Shenghong’s sterling contributions in this way. Shenghong has consistently demonstrated exceptional personal commitment to outreach. He developed a bespoke Brain-Computer Interface demonstration that has proven to be a fantastic tool for engaging diverse stakeholders, from school children to patient and carer groups. He plays a key role in organising engagement activities across the Unit, including our 2024 Open Day. He was one of the stars of the Unit’s research showcase video, The Symphony of the Brain, and he also helps curate the Unit’s social media content. A brilliant effort all around!”

The Unit held its eighteenth Science Day on Friday 5th July 2024. Unpublished work and future research projects were the focus of discussion, and Unit members and visitors enthusiastically took the chance to provide the constructive feedback needed for multidisciplinary team science.

There were 8 short talks and 17 poster presentations delivered by the Unit’s early-career researchers. Attendees were also treated to two Keynote Lectures: A first by Professor Penny Lewis of Cardiff University, in which she gave an engaging account of sleep engineering for health and cognition; and a second lecture by Professor Karunesh Ganguli of the University of California, San Francisco, in which he showcased the power of cross-species work to define the mechanisms underlying motor learning in health and in recovery from brain injury.

Unit Director Professor Peter Magill commented: “Another excellent opportunity to share ideas, know-how and data with colleagues, as well as to take stock of the Unit’s progress in synergistically integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics into our research. The vigour of the whole community on the day was really uplifting.”

Our congratulations go to Unit D.Phil. student James Sermon for successfully defending his doctoral thesis, entitled “Modelling frequency-based neural responses to Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's disease”, in his viva voce examination on 28th June 2024.

James’s viva examiners were Professor Anne Skeldon (University of Surrey) and Professor Mark Woolrich (University of Oxford).

James was supervised at the MRC BNDU by Professor Tim Denison, Dr Benoit Duchet and Professor Huiling Tan.

We are delighted to announce that the Unit has again achieved multiple accreditations through the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), a nationally recognised scheme designed to improve the sustainability and efficiency of laboratories.

Seven laboratories at the Unit achieved accreditation for their sustainable practices. The Biomedical Services Facility gained a Bronze award for the first time. The Barron Group and Denison Group both renewed their Bronze awards. The Dupret Group, Sharott Group and Tan Group each enhanced their sustainability practices, gaining Silver awards for the first time. The Magill Group renewed its Silver award from last year.

To gain the awards, each Group was audited for the practical steps they had taken to meet several assessment criteria, including those related to the use of equipment and space, the management of samples and chemicals, ventilation, waste/recycling, and the engagement of colleagues.

Unit Director Professor Peter Magill commented “I am delighted that the Unit’s continued commitment to sustainable research has been recognised in this way. Congratulations to the many Unit members who worked together to identify and act on opportunities to help the Unit reduce its carbon emissions, waste and spend.”