For the latest in our series of showcase events and workshops, the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) Neuroscience Research Domain, part of Health Innovation Manchester (HInM), brought together professionals from a range of backgrounds including clinical staff, researchers, and other academics to present a showcase of ongoing Neuroscience research and innovation across Greater Manchester (GM).

The event was held at the Institute of Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and included a tour of the new innovative facilities within the institute. The MMU IoS is dedicated towards high quality research into sport, health, and wellbeing, drawing expertise from sport and exercise science, biological sciences, business, and other elements to create a collaborative approach to research. These ideals closely align with the outlook of MAHSC and HInM and our organisations are committed to building our relationship to deliver further innovations for GM in the future.

The purpose of Neuroscience showcase was to give key researchers and clinical staff the chance to present and share their work and successes with a wide audience across multiple disciplines. The event aimed to spark novel discussions and generate ideas for research collaborations across the region, as well as sharing good practice and lessons learned. There were over 70 attendees to this fully in-person event, displaying a great commitment and enthusiasm for Neuroscience research in GM.

The event featured speakers from HInM and the MAHSC Chairs and domain leads, as well as our partner NHS organisations & universities across GM: Manchester Metropolitan University, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Northumbria University, and showcased speakers who have received grant funding from MAHSC to further their research and personal development. Topics included Microsurgery, Delirium, Parkinson’s Disease, Sleep Disturbance in Alzheimer’s, Neurosurgery, Subarachnoid Haemorrhage, Epilepsy, Patient-centred Care, Stroke and Pneumonia, and Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

The next steps for the domain for 2023/24 will be to build on the learning and collaborations from the showcase event to ensure we continue to deliver the highest quality research and care possible.

Stuart Allan, MAHSC Neuroscience Domain Academic Lead, Professor of Neuroscience, and Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre Co Director shared his positive reflections on the day:

‘It was fantastic to be hold our first ever entirely in-person showcase event, and in such a great venue. The day highlighted some of the fantastic neuroscience research taking place across GM, and I know this is only a snapshot of what is going on. I look forward to working with my Co-Domain Lead Monty Silverdale and the Domain Operational Board in further developing translational research in neuroscience across GM.’