Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon
Monday 25 February 2019 8:56am

Brain Awareness Week is the global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research.

Every March the Brain Health Research Centre partners with the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand and the Otago Museum to hold a week of events focused on brain research.

Here is a brief outline of the 2019 programme:

"Neuroplasticity: Your Brain's Ability to Learn and Adapt to Change by Reorganising Itself"

Brain Research New Zealand board member Emeritus Professor John Rostas from the University of Newcastle. 5.30pm Monday 11 March, Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum

"The History of Your Brain: From Single Cell to Adolescence"

The human brain begins forming just 16 days after conception, but in many ways, brain development is a lifelong project. In the first of two evening talks, our speakers look at how the brain develops from a single cell into the command centre for the whole body. Associate Professor Christine Jasoni (Department of Anatomy) covers antenatal development, Dr Dione Healey the early years, and Dr Damian Scarf adolescence (both Department of Psychology). 5.30pm complimentary tea and coffee. 5.45pm - 7.15pm Tuesday 12 March, Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum

"The History of Your Brain: From Maturity to Brain Death"

In the second of two evening talks, our speakers look at how the brain continues to change even after we reach physical maturity, and how it declines and eventually dies. Professor David Bilkey covers the adult brain and healthy aging, and Professor Cliff Abraham (both Department of Psychology) talks about loss of brain function and death. 5.30pm complimentary tea and coffee. 5.45pm - 6.45pm Wednesday 13 March, Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum.

"Brains in the Octagon"

Public displays including the Brain Health Research Centre's inflatable brain and local neurological agencies 11am - 2pm Thursday 14 March, Upper Octagon

"Brain Day"

The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand presents four talks by Brain Health Research Centre and Brain Research New Zealand researchers in the Hutton Theatre. On the first floor Atrium there will be displays, activities and another talk on "How to Get Better At Anything". 10am - 4pm Saturday 16 March, Otago Museum.

"Senior Brain Day: Taking Responsibility for Your Own Aging"

Free lunch, movie, discussion, talk and entertainment from the Otago Neuro Choir. 12pm - 5pm, Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum.

Download the programme for Brain Awareness Week 2019 here.

Back to top