As part of the MRC Festival of Medical Research 2018, CBU hosted a Unit Open Day on Saturday 16 June. Over 130 friends, colleagues, volunteers, students and local families attended to hear about the exciting research taking place at the Unit, and to get involved in some brain related activities.

The morning kicked off with three interesting talks; Dr Kate Baker explained the connection between genes and brains, Dr Duncan Astle shared how a child’s environment shapes their development and Dr Caitlin Hitchcock discussed developing new treatments for depression.  These talks were then repeated in the afternoon.

During lunchtime, Rogier Kievit, Delia Fuhrmann and Ivan Simpson-Kent got the audience up on their feet with an interactive Big Brain Quiz.  

Our hands-on demonstration room included a brainwaves in real-time experiment using Electroencephalographic (EEG) technology, angry bird’s demonstration, real-time cochlear implant listening sim and many more fun but educational experiments.

The marquee in the garden was bustling with fun activities enjoyed by children all day. Staff put on a treasure hunt with clues scattered around the CBU garden, a colouring competition, farm app demo and the chance to build your own brain hat.

Throughout the day our magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) specialists hosted tours of our onsite scanners. Visitors got the chance to get up close to the real scanners while the team demonstrated how the scanners work and explained how they enable the CBU to investigate the cognitive and biological bases for human behaviour and its disorders.

The whole day was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and the CBU volunteers. Feedback from visitors included “a thoroughly fascinating and worthwhile morning. I learned a lot.” and “Very good! Both for kids (games and food) and parents (talks). What a place and team!”

Thank you to everyone that attended and to all the volunteers for making the whole day a great success.

Information on how you can get involved at the CBU and be a part of our wonderful volunteer’s panel can be found here: Take part

Future CBU event details and regular seminar information can be located here: Events and Seminars