From Periods to Pastries: Using Science to Tackle Mental Health and Stigma

Menstruation has carried centuries of stigma and some truly wild misconceptions (including that menstruating women could poison crops, animals, and even people!). Whilst we know better than to believe crazy theories today, surprisingly some myths still exist. Many people still don’t know how the menstrual cycle really works and scientific research is lagging far behind. So, what do we actually know about the menstrual cycle and mental health?
In this talk, we explore why this link is so poorly understood, and how we're using cohort data, genetics, and smartwatches to address the gap. Join us to bust some myths and shed a spotlight on one of the most overlooked aspects of human health.

For lots of people with eating disorders, places like cafés can be really difficult. But what if it was possible to practise being in a café environment in a safe, virtual world? In this talk, you’ll hear about our virtual reality café, where people with eating disorders can practice challenges related to social eating settings - from choosing what to order, to navigating interactions with café staff. Designed together with people with eating disorders, the VR cafe aims to boost confidence and reduce anxiety, to make real life social eating feel more achievable.