Unravelling the Mind: Female Pioneers, Plasticity and Pathology.

The central nervous system (CNS) is a complex and fascinating system. It is not solely made up of neurons. In fact, there are several structures surrounding neurons within the CNS that are as vital to healthy function as neurons themselves. Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are one of these structures. This unsung hero may be the key to unlocking therapies that could change the course for spinal cord injury recovery, neurodegenerative diseases and psychological disorders. In this talk we will discuss perineuronal nets and give them the attention PNNs deserve.

Parkinson’s disease is best known for its devastating and progressive destruction of brain cells – but why do they die? Our brains have their own immune cells called microglia, which normally protect neurons. But in Parkinson’s, these defenders may turn destructive. In this talk, we’ll explore our research into how microglia respond to toxic protein clumps linked to Parkinson’s and whether genetic mutation makes them more harmful. Using stem cell technology, we ask whether these immune cells are actively killing neurons – and whether targeting them could unlock new treatments.

Schizophrenia is a condition rooted in how the brain develops. Its symptoms are intense and often misunderstood, while the biology behind it is complex. Since Eugen Bleuler first coined the term ‘’schizophrenia’’ in 1908, research has revealed how disrupted brain signals, immune changes and environment may play a role, and changed the way we treat patients. But one question remains: what causes schizophrenia?

In recent years, many people have called for changes to make science more open, trustworthy, and fair. These ideas are often described as a “new" movement sparked by concerns about research practices in the 2010s. But women in science have been championing these values for decades. In this talk, Dr Madeleine Pownall draws on her new book Absent Minds to uncover how overlooked women scientists helped shape ideas about openness, ethics, and fairness in research, long before they became part of today’s science reform movement.