In this blog series we will be featuring our award winners and highly commended recipients from the Faculty’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to PPIE’ awards. Showcasing the inspirational and outstanding commitment to PPIE that has made a positive difference to our community and highlighting the amazing events, activities, people and groups from across the Faculty.    

Our next blog in this series will feature Brain Health Day, an event that highlighted research at the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, covering all aspects of Brain Health. It featured a series of talks from leading academics, science discovery stands and games, attracting members of the public of all ages. Brain Health Day won the Public Engagement category at the 2023 awards. 

As one in six people affected by a neurological condition in our lifetime, it is important we all understand how to keep our brains happy and healthy. 

On March 18th 2023, over 40 researchers, students and patient experts from The University of Manchester and the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre took over Manchester Central Library. Featuring all aspects of Brain Health, the event featured sold-out talks from experts and healthcare professionals, interactive stalls, brain games and activities, and a performance from renowned poet Lemn Sissay. The event gave a chance for attendees to hear about new and exciting research, discover more about how the brain works and ask questions to leading scientists. 

Attendees ranged from primary school age right up to their later years, and for some attendees, this was their first time at a public science event. Excitingly, most people stayed all day, attending every talk, interacting with each discovery stand, and even signing up to participate in research themselves. The event also brought together a diverse mix of public science contributors and external organisations, such as Research for the Future and the Innovation Agency. Undergraduate students were able to showcase their own work through a student poster competition, with over 20 entrants taking part. 

The event leaves a significant legacy, with many calling for a repeat of the event next year, a testament to outstanding Public Engagement:  

• At least one sixth form student that attended the event is now being hosted as part of a work experience placement.  
• The undergraduate student participants of the poster competition were inspired by the event and will hopefully continue to take part in exceptional science communication.  
• The event also allowed people affected by a neurological condition, personally or through a loved one, to connect with others with similar experiences and share their stories. 

The event was led by the Stroke-Immune Pathways and Cognitive Trajectory (Stroke IMPaCT) Team and co-produced with two public contributors. It was supported by NorthCare Charity, Alzheimers Research UK (ARUK) and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Accelerator Fund. 

Find out more:   

• Brain Health Day Blog 
• Entrants – Brain Health Day Student Poster Competition 
• Brain Health Day – Recordings of the Event 
• Brain games: Celebrating pioneering neuroscience research in Manchester – Blog 

Twitter: 

• Follow Stroke IMPaCT  
• Follow The University’s Brain Inflammation Group  
• Follow Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre 

To find out more about PPIE: watch our short film, sign up to the monthly Public Engagement Digest, visit the PPIE blog, or contact srbmh@manchester.ac.uk.    

To read more about other PPIE Award winners visit here .

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