Sign up to our newsletter for daily updates and breaking news Sign up here! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

What is dyslexia? Why do some children struggle to learn? How do you fix a broken brain? Why are we getting so fat?

Answers to these burning questions and more will be provided by a host of experts at the Cambridge BRAINFest 2017 this weekend.

Running from Friday, June 23 to Sunday, June 25, this free public festival of brain science promises a wide range of lectures, discussions and exhibits for visitors.

The festival, organised by Cambridge University and Cambridge Neuroscience, builds on the success of the Cambridge Science Festival in spring and the Festival of Ideas in the autumn.

Throughout the weekend, the Cambridge Corn Exchange will be transformed into an interactive tour of the brain, covering its development, the relationship to the body and how we experience pain, pleasures, imagination, learning and forgetting.

Families can take part in experiments across 30 exhibits and even build their own brain.

A ‘Secret Cinema’ will show a series of films that illustrate how Cambridge researchers are tackling conditions such as dementia and OCD.

Café Scientifique will explore the breadth of brain science from body clocks and brain networks to the weird and wonderful world of the naked mole-rat.

"We’re all fascinated by the brain – its complexity is what makes us so unique as a species," says Dr Dervila Glynn, coordinator of Cambridge Neuroscience.



"Cambridge is one of the major centres in the UK, if not the world, for studying how the brain works, and why in many cases it goes wrong, leading to disease.

"Cambridge BRAINFest is our chance to showcase the brilliant work that is taking place across the city."

On Friday, June 23, the opening night, audiences at the Babbage Lecture Theatre will hear from BBC Horizon presenter Dr Giles Yeo about why we are all getting fatter and from Professor Usha Goswami about how dyslexic brains may be in tune but out of time.

The following night, Professor Sir Simon Wessely, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, will chair a panel discussion with mental health experts from the University of Cambridge and from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT).



This includes Dr Chess Denman, CPFT medical director and expert in personality disorders and Dr Hisham Ziauddeen, consultant psychiatrist.

Dr Denman said: "The Cambridge BRAINFest is a fantastic opportunity to discover more about how our minds work and the links between physical and mental health.

"With one in four of us experiencing mental health problems at some time in our lives, and the number of people who self-harm or have suicidal thoughts increasing, it is really important that we continue to undertake pioneering research to improve treatments and medications."

A historical self-guided ‘Neurotrail’ has also been developed to lead explorers around the places, people, and discoveries that have put Cambridge at the heart of our understanding of the brain.

Maps will be available at the Corn Exchange on the weekend.

The foyer of the Corn Exchange will be transformed by BRAINArt, an exhibition of brain-inspired art by local school children. Ahead of BRAINFest Dr Glynn visited 1,400 pupils to talk about the brain.

"As a researcher, it can be thrilling to discuss our work with the public,” said Professor Angela Roberts, chair of the organising committee.

"It’s an opportunity for us to share some of the excitement that comes from working at the cutting-edge of research. But equally, it’s a chance for us to hear the public’s views about our work. We expect some fascinating – and potentially challenging – discussions will arise.”

All events are free, but booking is recommended for the evening events at the Babbage Lecture Theatre. Further details can be found on the Cambridge BRAINFest 2017 website.

What's on at BRAINFest 2017?

June 23: Variety Showcase Opening Night

Babbage Lecture Theatre

A special night of brain science, theatre and entertainment featuring short lectures, poetry and dance.

Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

June 24-25: Café Scientifque

St John’s Room, Corn Exchange

A host of speakers across both days discussing all aspects of brains and mental health.

First talks start 10.15/30 am.

June 24: Brains and mental health

Babbage Lecture Theatre

A public discussion with an expert panel.

Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

You can submit your questions in advance.

June 24-25: Interactive Thematic Showcase

Corn Exchange

Open: 10am-3.30pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday

Free, interactive exhibition suitable for all ages. Including: