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In November, a Scottish delegation of neuroscientists, sponsored by the Brain Health ARC, were welcomed to the ReALity Institute in Mainz to present their work and develop new collaborations. The workshop, titled Molecular Communication in Brain Health, is part of a series between the “Scotland Hub” and the ReALity Institute, designed to promote connections between Scotland and the Rheinland-Pfalz region of Germany. The Scottish delegation included Prof Frank Gunn-Moore (University of St Andrews and the Brain Health ARC), Dr Rosie Jackson (University of Dundee), Dr Philip Hasel (University of Edinburgh), Prof Jenna Gregory (University of Aberdeen), and Dr Fiona Kerr (Edinburgh Napier University and the Brain Health ARC). Prof Frank Gunn-Moore said: "It was a great meeting showcasing the excellent research in these two centres ranging from the molecular to the clinical, from new diagnosis methods to potential treatments. As ever, we were extremely well looked after; sampling both local wine and beer, and the largest schnitzels that any of us had ever seen."  Representing the ARC, Prof Terry Quinn was invited to join a roundtable in Bute House with the First Minister to discuss how research and innovation can improve the lives of people living with advanced dementia and their care-partners. Alongside Terry were ARC vice chair and NRS dementia lead, Dr Tom Russ, ARC collaborator and care-home researcher, Dr Jenni Burton, and providing the voice of lived experience, long-time supporter of the ARC, Sir Iain Anderson. The group discussed the progress that has been made in dementia care, but also the substantial work still to be done. Throughout the discussions, key themes were around the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration, the need to include all stakeholders, and the need for robust evidence to underpin innovation, all central components of the Brain Health ARC’s work. Since then, there has been ongoing activity and discussions as members of the Brain Health ARC collaborate with the Scottish Government on next steps and we are delighted that these efforts have been mentioned in the First Minister’s Question Time. Watch this space for more to come!  On Thursday 25th September, the Brain Health ARC hosted a meeting at the University of Strathclyde's Neurotechnology Centre for the Alzheimer’s Research UK Drug Discovery Alliance. This was part of the ARUK-DDA “Scottish tour” which had previously encompassed both Edinburgh and Dundee.
The meeting ended with a range of follow up meetings to discuss the individual projects.
A key theme across the four Alliances – and indeed across many sectors – is the importance of interdisciplinary research. My role focuses on exploring researchers’ attitudes toward interdisciplinary collaborations, which gave me the chance to connect with inspiring academics across the UK. This project not only deepened my understanding of the value of interdisciplinary work, but also allowed me to expand and strengthen my quantitative research skills. The Brain Health ARC is currently leading efforts to highlight Scotland as a global hub for brain health research and innovation. One way they have done so recently is hosting a writing retreat at the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the National Environment (SCENE), in Loch Lomond – a highlight of my internship (so far). Here I was able to meet and learn from incredible people who are driving forward innovative research. I feel truly grateful for these experiences, which have strengthened my skills, broadened my perspective, and further fuelled my passion for research in brain health and beyond. read more
The writing retreat at SCENE allowed for time away in a distraction-free zone, which felt like a gift. Being in such a beautiful, calming place surrounded by greenery and water was exactly what I needed to reset and refocus. Not only did I get so much done, but I also had the chance to just breathe, reflect, and soak in the atmosphere.
Day two was more work-focused but just as rewarding. The talks on careers paths, tips and tricks for securing a grant/fellowship and the networking opportunities throughout the retreat were truly invaluable. During Lisa Kidds' talk, she shared how she navigated the uncertainty of early career research, and it was such a reassuring moment – I realised I am not alone in feeling unsure about the future and that there is no single ‘right’ path. It was a reminder that pauses, reflection, and connecting with others are just as important as the work itself.
Throughout the day (and some late-night work with my new friends) I managed to finish writing my introduction and even squeezed in a few interviews, which felt like a real accomplishment. There is something incredibly motivating about being surrounded by others who are deeply focused on their work – the energy is contagious, and I found myself settling into my writing faster than I ever do at home.
On the final day, I wrapped up more interviews and faced the bittersweet moment of having to leave. It was hard to say goodbye to such a supportive environment, especially after just starting to feel so connected and motivated. One of the most valuable parts of the retreat was hearing everyone’s journey of how they got to where they are today. As someone in that strange in-between stage of not quite knowing what the future holds, it was incredibly reassuring to hear to such open and honest stories. It reminded me that even the most established researchers once stood where I am now, figuring things out step-by-step. Looking back, the retreat was more than just productive – it was grounding, inspiring, and exactly what I needed at this point in my journey. I left feeling reassured that uncertainty is part of the process. I also felt motivated by the people I met and grateful for the reminder that sometimes stepping away from the noise is the best way to move forward. The retreat reminded me of the power of connecting with others, learning from their experiences, and creating the space to focus on my own work. It was an invaluable experience that I'm extremely grateful for. Photograph credit to Kalliopi Mavromati & Angelina Kirilova Kancheva. |
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The Brain Health Alliance for Research Challenges is supported by the Scottish Funding Council.
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