What to see and do at the BNA2025 Festival of Neuroscience
The BNA2025 International Festival of Neuroscience is underway in Liverpool, UK, and we’re excited to be attending this fantastic event! Hosted by the British Neuroscience Association, the event is one of the largest neuroscience conferences to be held in the UK and brings together researchers, clinicians, industry professionals, and the public to celebrate and explore all areas of neuroscientific study.
The festival features cutting-edge science, workshops, careers advice, public engagement events, and networking opportunities in a friendly, collaborative, and inclusive atmosphere. With a busy 3-day programme of talks, symposia, poster presentations, workshops and networking events, it’s hard to know how to juggle your daily schedule!
To help you make the most of your time at #BNA2025 we’ve picked out some of the things we’re most looking forward to seeing over the coming days…
Plenary Talks
Plenary session on the genetics of Parkinson’s disease
Monday 28th April - 11:50 to 12:50
Professor Christine Klein of the University of Lubeck delivers a plenary session which provides an update on the genetics of Parkinson’s disease including cause, risk, and protection. Christine Klein is a German physician and professor of neurology and neurogenetics whose research considers the molecular genetics of movement disorders. The plenary session is supported by Parkinson’s UK.
Plenary talk on understanding Alzheimer’s disease
Tuesday 29th April - 17:05 to 18:05
Professor Julie Williams of Cardiff University is a world leader in the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and will deliver a plenary talk on understanding Alzheimer’s disease: from genes to therapy. A former Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Professor Williams was awarded a CBE in 2012 for her significant contributions to the field of Alzheimer’s research. She was also last year’s winner of the BNA Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience Award.
Symposia and Q&A sessions
Symposium on tackling neurodegenerative disorders
Tuesday 29th April - 09:30 to 11:15
This symposium considers how harnessing synaptic mechanisms and network dynamics could help researchers to better understand neurodegenerative disorders and to devise new treatments. Guest speakers will discuss synaptic/circuit dysregulation and will consider how new research strategies could pave the way for new therapeutic interventions. The speakers are Dr Raffaella Lara Migliaccio, Dr Carola Radulescu, Dr Dennis Lambrechts and Brett Emery.
Symposium on the gut-brain axis in Parkinson’s
Wednesday 30th April - 09:30 to 11:15
This symposium will take a closer look at the role of the gut-brain axis in Parkinson’s disease and the factors promoting propagation of pathology from the gut to the brain. Guest speakers Professor Per Borghammer, Pauline Vessiere, Dr Kristopher J Schmit and Dr Sandra Morais Cardoso will share their thoughts on GBA in Parkinson’s disease.
A closer look at motivation and reward pursuit
Wednesday 30th April - 09:30 to 11:15
A symposium focused on behaviours specific to motivation and reward pursuit. Four guest speakers will discuss the neuroscience behind motivation and reward, from cues to adaptive decision making. The speakers are Dr Kate Peters, Dr Fabien Naneix, Dr Shauna Parkes and Dr Andrew MacAskill.
Symposium on neural tissue engineering
Wednesday 30th April - 09:30 to 11:15
Another fascinating symposium takes place on Wednesday morning on the topic of neural tissue engineering in nervous system repair. Co-chaired by Professor Divya Chari and Dr Christopher Adams, the session aims to showcase interdisciplinary research that combines biomaterials, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic technologies, while offering diverse academic, clinical, and industrial perspectives on the future of neural repair.
Talks and Q&A on the glial mechanisms of Primary Tauopathy
Wednesday 30th April - 14:00 to 15:45
This 105-minute symposium will consist of 4 talks plus a Q&A session chaired by Dr Kathryn Bowles of the University of Edinburgh. The session will cover mechanistic studies as well as human pathology and biomarkers. The guest speakers are Lois Keavey, Dr Aitana Sogorb-Esteve, Professor Delphine Boche and Professor Maria Spillantini.
Exhibition hall
Be sure to check out the exhibition hall where you’ll find the Hello Bio stand at booth 14! Daria Dolecka, our Senior Customer Service Executive, is waiting to share some exciting freebies, new product brochures, exclusive discount codes and entry to our ever-popular prize draw! This year's prizes include a cute GiantMicrobes Plush Brain as well as some delicious Lindt chocolates!
Social activities
Gala dinner at Liverpool Cathedral
Tuesday 29th April - 19:00 to 23:00
The BNA will host their gala dinner at Liverpool Cathedral on Tuesday evening, with a three-course meal, drinks, entertainment, and the opportunity to view a renowned Tracey Emin art installation.
See the sights of Liverpool
The historic city of Liverpool is known around the world for both its football and music. Be sure to see some of the famous local sights while you’re there! We would recommend the following:
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The Beatles Museum - a Grade 2 listed building housing over 1,000 nostalgic items connected to the Fab Four including outfits, instruments, and personal letters.
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The Cavern Club - the famous music venue which saw The Beatles take to the stage for the very first time in 1961.
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Royal Liver Building - learn about the history of one of the most distinctive buildings in Liverpool.
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Anfield Stadium - take a tour of one of the most historic football stadiums in the world and home to the newly-crowned Premier League champions - Liverpool FC.
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Mersey Ferries - see the famous River Mersey from the best possible perspective - a ferry ride from one side to the other!
Preparing for science conferences
If you're attending or speaking at your first science conference this year, we've got some great tips to help you make sure it all goes smoothly! Take a look at these other great resources on the Hello Bio blog:
- Tips for Oral Presentations at Scientific Meetings and Conferences
- Tips for Poster Presentations at Scientific Meetings and Conferences
- The Life Scientists’ Guide to Presenting at Conferences
- Conference Checklist: 10 Must-Dos at Science Conferences
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