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At-Bristol Creates a Storm with 40 Brain Experts!
More than 40 neuroscientists have gathered in At-Bristol
during this week-long celebration of Brain Awareness Week, which will end
on 18 March. This will be the largest gathering of experts that At-Bristol
science centre has ever hosted at one time.
Together with At-Bristol’s science communicators, these scientists will
assist visitors in carrying out a host of brain-related experiments and
activities, such as building a brain model, which interestingly, young
people find much easier to do than the scientists! Visitors will also get
to experience tactile illusions such as confusing their brain into
thinking that their nose is stretchable like Pinocchio’s!
This public forum, in return, provides an opportunity for these volunteer
scientists from Bristol University’s Bristol Neuroscience Group to gather
opinions and exchange insights regarding brain-related issues and
dilemmas, such as the increase of dementia on our aging population and the
use of brain enhancing drugs. In addition, it is also an excellent
platform to cultivate scientists to be more participative in engaging the
public with their work.
‘We are extremely excited about this event as it provides us with a
wonderful opportunity to host such a large number of enthusiastic experts!
We are very grateful for the large contribution from Bristol Neuroscience
Group’s scientists that has made this event possible.’ Says Lorraine
Coghill, Learning Manager, At-Bristol.
‘This event helps to bridge the gap between scientists and society. There
can be a huge chasm between real science and what individuals are being
exposed to and understand, this is especially so for subjects like brain
science. At-Bristol provides a common ground for both parties to meet,
learn and develop.’ Says Lorraine.
'Bristol Neuroscience has a commitment to raising public awareness of
brain research and its contribution to Brain Awareness Week is just one of
its many public engagement activities. We are delighted to work with
At-Bristol to host innovative activities during Brain Awareness Week in
order to fulfil DANA’s aims of bringing ‘the excitement of scientific
progress to the general public’. Says Bridget Lumb, Director, Bristol
Neuroscience.
Sessions run between 10am and 5pm everyday until 18 March, Sunday,
activities are free with a ticket to Explore. These activities are
supported by The National Lottery through Awards for All.
Brain Awareness Week is an initiative coordinated by the European Dana
Alliance for the Brain, and coincides with National Science and
Engineering Week, which falls on 9 - 18 March and is coordinated by the
British Association for the Advancement of Science.
For press enquiries please contact Mavis Choong, At-Bristol Press
Office
0117 915 7152 / 0796 733 4152 /
mavis.choong@at-bristol.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
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At-Bristol is a leading science centre in the UK and a
major player in the worldwide science centre movement. It aims to be a
world-class science and natural history centre that makes distinctive,
valued and recognised contributions to informal science learning and
public engagement with science across Europe. A registered charity,
At-Bristol has hosted more than three million visits and continually
strives towards making science accessible to all.
www.at-bristol.org.uk
(Registered charity no. 1049954)
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Bristol Neuroscience was founded in 2003 with the
broad aim of enabling neuroscientists working in Bristol to make full
use of the resources of expertise and facilities within the local
environment. To meet this aim, BN raises awareness of the extent and
range of neuroscience in Bristol, encourages crosstalk, and creates
opportunities for interdisciplinary research. Bristol Neuroscience
therefore maintains a supportive environment for effective research -
from first principles through to advances in clinical.
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