Delineation of the role of brainstem pro-opiomelanocorin neurons in energy balance
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Aberdeen
Department Name: Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes represent major medical and economic challenges of the 21st century. An understanding of the biological mechanisms regulating food consumption is essential to both the successful treatment and prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The brain represents the master co-coordinator of energy balance, employing a number of interwoven neurological circuits to continually appraise and respond to changes in nutritional state. The brain melanocortin network is a fundamental regulator of energy homeostasis and serves as a gateway for many of these signals. Therefore, a clear understanding of the precise mechanism through which pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) modulates appetite, food preference, body weight, and blood glucose is of intense interest. The aim of this application is to identify specific POMC neurons responsible for communicating energy balance information and to demonstrate that their manipulation, through state of the art pharmacogenetic and genetic techniques, is of direct relevance to metabolic fitness. We will also examine the impact of diet and adiposity on POMC energy balance circuitry function. Through the identification of primary, critical cells in the brain regulating energy balance, we anticipate that these data will ultimately have translational benefit for the treatment of global metabolic disease.
Technical Summary
The rapid rise in the prevalence of obesity emphasizes the need for a greater understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying energy homeostasis. Whilst traditional Cre-lox technology has demonstrated pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons to be a critical nexus for the integration of multiple energy balance circuits and fundamental to the physiological control of metabolic health, this approach does not permit functional and temporal dissociation of discrete populations of POMC neurons. Thus, the aim of this project is to establish the distinct role of NTS POMC neurons in the regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis. On the basis of our preliminary data, we hypothesise this population to be a critical component of the central metabolic network. Targeted manipulation of NTS POMC neurons will be facilitated by the use of cutting-edge pharmacogenetic technology (Designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug - DREADD). This technique affords real-time control of neuronal activity and subsequent insight into their physiological function. Sterotaxic delivery of viral constructs into the NTS of a POMC-Cre mouse line promotes selective expression of DREADD receptors on NTS POMC neurons. Targeted activation/inhibition of these cells in freely behaving mice is induced by the administration of an inert ligand. The cell specific pharmacogenetic manipulation, together with comprehensive metabolic phenotyping (including food intake, diet preference, energy expenditure and glucose homeostasis), affords the opportunity for greater understanding of the physiological salience of brainstem POMC neurons. These data will offer important insight into the discrete neuronal circuits governing energy and glucose homeostasis. Given the pervasiveness of metabolic disease within the global community and the resulting socio-medical ramifications, unravelling the neuronal microcircuits governing the physiological control of energy balance is essential.
Planned Impact
Academic impact
Metabolic health and disease is a continually expanding area of research, in which the UK has arguably been at the forefront. It is a multi-disciplinary field that encompasses neurobiology, physiology, pharmacology, genetics, nutrition and public health. This proposal therefore, has the potential to make a major academic impact, both within the UK and internationally, by furthering our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic health and disease. In addition to advancing knowledge, the proposed research will provide substantial capacity building by training the field's scientific leaders of tomorrow to encourage the maintenance of the UK's position in this area of scientific research. This will provide the potential for expansion of our research findings into other relevant animal models and incorporation in broader neuroscience, pharmacogenetic, pharmacological and genetic approaches. The research will also provide opportunities for improving teaching and learning of undergraduate and postgraduate students through seminars and research projects.
Economic and societal impacts
Obesity is a major health problem in the UK, both accelerating death and incurring a cost of a half billion a year in direct costs by the government. Obesity is the second largest cause of cancer, substantially increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many other medical complications. Currently, only one drug is approved for obesity treatment, Ali, which is a lipase inhibitor. Given the prevalence of obesity worldwide and its health, societal, and economic implications, new treatments are a clinical imperative. In previous research, we addressed this conundrum by investigating a class of compounds, those augmenting 5-HT bioavailability, that have been effective in the clinic for weight loss for approximately the past 15 years. However, these drugs have been withdrawn from clinical use due to off-target effects. We previously determined that the anorectic therapeutic mechanism is via 5-HT activation of a discrete class of receptors 5-HT2Cs, expressed on a chemically defined population of neurons, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) (e.g. Heisler et al., Science 2002; Xu et al., Neuron 2008; Xu et al., J. Neuroscience 2010). This work further stimulated and supported drug discovery efforts for 5-HT2C receptor agonists at multiple pharmaceutical companies, including Arena. Arena's compound, lorcaserin, went through phase 3 clinical trials, effectively reduced body weight and was reviewed by the FDA, but not approved last year. This drug activates all 5-HT2C receptors, not just those discretely expressed on POMC neurons. Here we propose to evaluate the role of activation or inhibition of a specific population of POMC neurons in energy balance in real-time. An advantage of the new pharmacogenetic technology that we are employing over the traditional Cre-lox system is regional and temporal refinement. We speculate that directly targeting brainstem POMC cells will provide an effective new pharmacological target for the treatment of metabolic disease. In fact, we have already observed unique characteristics that distinguish this population of POMC neurons from those expressed elsewhere in the brain. Therefore, there may be opportunities for the commercialisation of new diagnostics (identifying individuals at risk of metabolic disease) and therapeutics (targeting specific POMC neurons). The proposed research may inform and benefit the pharmaceutical sector through access to new knowledge, technology development and databases. Thus it has the potential to enhance the knowledge economy and economic competitiveness of the UK. The research is also readily accessible to the general public, because of its immediate relevance to improving health and well being and enhancing quality of life. The project therefore provides an excellent vehicle for increasing public engagement and understanding.
Metabolic health and disease is a continually expanding area of research, in which the UK has arguably been at the forefront. It is a multi-disciplinary field that encompasses neurobiology, physiology, pharmacology, genetics, nutrition and public health. This proposal therefore, has the potential to make a major academic impact, both within the UK and internationally, by furthering our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic health and disease. In addition to advancing knowledge, the proposed research will provide substantial capacity building by training the field's scientific leaders of tomorrow to encourage the maintenance of the UK's position in this area of scientific research. This will provide the potential for expansion of our research findings into other relevant animal models and incorporation in broader neuroscience, pharmacogenetic, pharmacological and genetic approaches. The research will also provide opportunities for improving teaching and learning of undergraduate and postgraduate students through seminars and research projects.
Economic and societal impacts
Obesity is a major health problem in the UK, both accelerating death and incurring a cost of a half billion a year in direct costs by the government. Obesity is the second largest cause of cancer, substantially increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many other medical complications. Currently, only one drug is approved for obesity treatment, Ali, which is a lipase inhibitor. Given the prevalence of obesity worldwide and its health, societal, and economic implications, new treatments are a clinical imperative. In previous research, we addressed this conundrum by investigating a class of compounds, those augmenting 5-HT bioavailability, that have been effective in the clinic for weight loss for approximately the past 15 years. However, these drugs have been withdrawn from clinical use due to off-target effects. We previously determined that the anorectic therapeutic mechanism is via 5-HT activation of a discrete class of receptors 5-HT2Cs, expressed on a chemically defined population of neurons, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) (e.g. Heisler et al., Science 2002; Xu et al., Neuron 2008; Xu et al., J. Neuroscience 2010). This work further stimulated and supported drug discovery efforts for 5-HT2C receptor agonists at multiple pharmaceutical companies, including Arena. Arena's compound, lorcaserin, went through phase 3 clinical trials, effectively reduced body weight and was reviewed by the FDA, but not approved last year. This drug activates all 5-HT2C receptors, not just those discretely expressed on POMC neurons. Here we propose to evaluate the role of activation or inhibition of a specific population of POMC neurons in energy balance in real-time. An advantage of the new pharmacogenetic technology that we are employing over the traditional Cre-lox system is regional and temporal refinement. We speculate that directly targeting brainstem POMC cells will provide an effective new pharmacological target for the treatment of metabolic disease. In fact, we have already observed unique characteristics that distinguish this population of POMC neurons from those expressed elsewhere in the brain. Therefore, there may be opportunities for the commercialisation of new diagnostics (identifying individuals at risk of metabolic disease) and therapeutics (targeting specific POMC neurons). The proposed research may inform and benefit the pharmaceutical sector through access to new knowledge, technology development and databases. Thus it has the potential to enhance the knowledge economy and economic competitiveness of the UK. The research is also readily accessible to the general public, because of its immediate relevance to improving health and well being and enhancing quality of life. The project therefore provides an excellent vehicle for increasing public engagement and understanding.
Organisations
- University of Aberdeen (Lead Research Organisation)
- UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN (Collaboration)
- University of Naples (Collaboration)
- University of Michigan (Collaboration)
- Baylor College of Medicine (Collaboration)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
Publications
Burke LK
(2017)
Lorcaserin improves glycemic control via a melanocortin neurocircuit.
in Molecular metabolism
Burke LK
(2016)
Sex difference in physical activity, energy expenditure and obesity driven by a subpopulation of hypothalamic POMC neurons.
in Molecular metabolism
D'Agostino G
(2015)
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha plays a crucial role in behavioral repetition and cognitive flexibility in mice.
in Molecular metabolism
D'Agostino G
(2018)
Nucleus of the Solitary Tract Serotonin 5-HT2C Receptors Modulate Food Intake.
in Cell metabolism
D'Agostino G
(2016)
Appetite controlled by a cholecystokinin nucleus of the solitary tract to hypothalamus neurocircuit.
in eLife
Flak JN
(2014)
Leptin-inhibited PBN neurons enhance responses to hypoglycemia in negative energy balance.
in Nature neuroscience
Georgescu T
(2021)
Role of serotonin in body weight, insulin secretion and glycaemic control.
in Journal of neuroendocrinology
Georgescu T
(2020)
Neurochemical Characterization of Brainstem Pro-Opiomelanocortin Cells.
in Endocrinology
Description | We are investigating the means through which appetite is controlled within the brain, with a particular emphasis on a brain region called the nucleus of the solitary tract. We have observed that a brain chemical made in the region called POMC influences appetite. We have also found that a new obesity medication called lorcaserin reduces food intake by stimulating this brain chemical. We also observed that this new obesity medication also improves diabetes, and moreover, that this new effect is achieved through the brain chemical POMC. These findings further our understanding of the way that appetite and blood sugar is controlled and offer new directions for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. |
Exploitation Route | We have identified that a 5-HT2C receptor agonist used for obesity treatment in the USA activates NTS POMC neurons to reduce appetite. This work has further clarified not only how an obesity medication works, but also the function of the brain structure the NTS in energy homeostasis (i.e. advancing functional neurobiology). The next steps are to clarify how this circuit links with other established regulators of energy homeostasis to drive feeding behaviour and body weight regulation. We have taken some of these first steps and have identified other brain circuits that regulate energy homeostasis and blood glucose, as detailed above. The opportunity now is to consider points with the greatest therapeutic potential. |
Sectors | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
URL | https://www.molecularmetabolism.com/60s_metabolist.php |
Description | Our preliminary findings have thus far been used to stimulate discussion following the numerous invited talks and media coverage that inform (educate) the public about the development of obesity. The findings also led to clinical trails for the use of the 5-HT2C receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes treatment. Our results have translated to the clinic, showing patient benefit. |
First Year Of Impact | 2014 |
Sector | Education,Healthcare |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | Chair of the review commission, Helmholtz Imaging and Curing Environmental Metabolic Diseases (ICEMED) |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | this committee evaluated the progress of an Institute and recommended changes for restructure to improve the regulatory environment. |
Description | Helmholtz SAB |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | Changes are just being implemented, so no impact yet. |
Description | Ongoing Keystone Conference Scientific Advisory Board |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | Rowett Institutional Executive Committee |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Impact | The Rowett Institute was restructured and I was appointed head of my research theme, Obesity and Food Choice. I sit on the Rowett Executive Committee where we decide on Institutional strategy and policy. |
Description | BRAINFOOD Nutrition Network grant |
Amount | € 30,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | European Brain Council |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Belgium |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 01/2022 |
Description | Confidence in Concept |
Amount | £35,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2015 |
End | 09/2016 |
Description | Discovery Award |
Amount | £450,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2016 |
End | 12/2017 |
Description | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship |
Amount | € 195,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | European Research Council (ERC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | Belgium |
Start | 02/2016 |
End | 01/2018 |
Description | Nutrition Network grant |
Amount | € 75,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Netherlands |
Start | 05/2017 |
End | 05/2022 |
Description | Wellcome Trust Enhancement |
Amount | £197,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2015 |
End | 05/2017 |
Description | Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund (ISSF) |
Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2020 |
End | 05/2021 |
Title | CRISPR/Cas9 POMC knockdown |
Description | We have generated a CRISPR/Cas9 contract that genetically inactivates POMC. We have validated this and have generated data that is currently under review at a scientific journal. |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Once this is published, we will make the tool available to other researchers. The impact arising from this is the ability to selectively inactivate POMC in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro and evaluating the effect on cell activity or physiology/behaviour. we can now apply this to other genes, such as Bdnf. |
Description | Dr Martin Myers and Prof Malcolm Low |
Organisation | University of Michigan |
Department | Brehm Center for Diabetes Research |
Country | United States |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | We investigted POMC neurones in the NTS expressing serotonin 5-HT2C receptors and leptin receptors. We found that these neurons project to the parabrachial nucleus (PBN). We examined neurons within the PBN and identified a subpopulation of cells that express CCK. Using DREADD-Gq in CCK-Cre mice, we then investigated whether PBN CCK neurons influence food intake. We discovered that they do not influence food intake, but rather control blood glucose. Martin Myers was also examining the function of leptin receptors in the PBN and likewise found that this receptor likewise impacts glucose homeostasis. We combined our data and pursued this further, which led to the publication below. We also investigated the impact of POMC ARC neurons in 5-HT2CR appetite regulation with Malcolm Low. We did the work and he provided the POMC mouse model. |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr Myers contributed the LepRb PBN work. Prof Malcolm Low contributed the POMC mouse model. |
Impact | PMID: 30146485 PMID: 29914853 PMID: 29031711 PMID: 29031711 PMID:27882999 PMID: 27516377 PMID: 26977396 PMID: 25470549 PMID: 25383904 PMID: 22869346 PMID: 22055500 PMID: 21531340 |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Dr Tom Kash |
Organisation | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Department | Department of Pharmacology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Using our unique reagents, we investigated the role of 5-HT2C receptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST) in behaviour. Activating these receptors also produced a brief effect on appetitive behaviour. However, we found that influencing these receptors primarily impacted anxiety-related behaviour. We also found that the 5-HT2C receptors are expressed with CRF neurons within the BNST. We combined our data with Tom Kash's investigating the 5-HT regulation of CRF neurons within the BSNT in anxiety-like behaviour, which led to a research output (below). |
Collaborator Contribution | Using the latest technology, Dr Kash defined an anxiety and fear neurocircuit through which 5-HT and CRF impact behaviour. |
Impact | Marcinkiewcz CA, Mazzone CM, D'Agostino G, Halladay LR, Hardaway JA, DiBerto JF..Kash TL. (2016). Serotonin engages an anxiety and fear-promoting circuit in the extended amygdala. Nature, 537 (7618), pp. 97-101 |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Dr Yong Xu |
Organisation | Baylor College of Medicine |
Department | Department of Neurology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We investigated the role of the 5-HT2C receptors in appetitive behaviour within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain. We discovered that altering the activity of these receptors in the brain reduced food reward and also improved binge eating behaviour. We combined our binge eating data with Dr Xu's data investigating 5-HT inputs to the VTA. |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr Xu examined 5-HT inputs to the VTA and the role of 5-HT in binge eating behaviour. This led to a publication in 2016 (below). |
Impact | Xu P, He Y, Cao X, Valencia-Torres L, Yan X, Saito K..Xu Y. (2016). Activation of Serotonin 2C Receptors in Dopamine Neurons Inhibits Binge-like Eating in Mice. Biological psychiatry, |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Giles Yeo |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We examined the in vivo role of a distinct subsets of neurons within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in feeding behaviour and insulin sensitivity. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Yeo lab examined the ex vivo characteristics of the distinct subsets of NTS neurons by cell sorting and profiling them with microarray and PCR. |
Impact | the work has been presented at the academic meetings listed under the 'engagement' section and has led to a publication https://www.molecularmetabolism.com/archive/past-issues/volume-43-january-2021/article/article/30706/index.html |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Mark Evans, University of Cambridge |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Designed experiments, undertook research, presented data and drafted manuscript for publication |
Collaborator Contribution | undertook experimentation and contributed to the drafting of a manuscript for publication |
Impact | PMID: 29031711 |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Prof Sue Ozanne |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Department | Institute of Metabolic Science (IMS) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Sue Ozanne group has collaborated with our group on a project investigating developmental programming of obesity which led to a publication published in 2016. We trained the lead author on the publication on neuroanatomical assessment methods. We also generated data related to the role of POMC, 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A receptors in the developmental programming of obesity. |
Collaborator Contribution | Prof Ozanne's group generated the models in which we measured POMC, 5-HT2C and 5-HT2A receptor expression within the brain. |
Impact | Martin-Gronert MS, Stocker CJ, Wargent ET, Cripps RL, Garfield AS, Jovanovic Z, D'Agostino G, Yeo GS, Cawthorne MA, Arch JR, Heisler LK, Ozanne SE. 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors as hypothalamic targets of developmental programming in male rats. Dis Model Mech. 2016 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of print] |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Ran Levi |
Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Levi is from the Math Dept at the Univ of Aberdeen. We have teamed up to perform mathematical modelling of energy homeostasis with ageing that impacts body weight, body fat and insulin sensitivity. My laboratory has conducted the in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Prof Levi's lab has performed the mathematical analysis on the data generated by the in vivo experiments. |
Impact | this work has led to a successful seed grant and is being written up for publication. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | University of Naples Federico II |
Organisation | University of Naples |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We collaborated with Prof Antonio Calignano to study PPAR-alpha, which plays a fundamental role in the regulation of lipid homeostasis. Though we were interested in lipid homeostasis, we uncovered an unexpected role of brain PPAR-alpha in the regulation of cognitive behaviour. Specifically, we observed that genetic Ppar-alpha inactivation promoted rewiring of cortical and hippocampal brain regions which contributed to a cognitive phenotype comparable to other mouse models of schizophrenia and autism. We improved behaviour in Ppar-alpha null mice through treatment with current schizophrenia and autism medications. Revealing the translational potential of our findings, we observed that PPAR-alpha agonist treatment improved behaviour in mouse models of psychosis and autism. These data thereby reveal an unforeseen therapeutic application of PPAR-alpha agonists, a class of drugs already in human use. |
Collaborator Contribution | None. |
Impact | D'Agostino G, Cristiano C, Lyons DJ, Citraro R, Russo E, Avagliano C, Russo R, Raso GM, Meli R, De Sarro G, Heisler LK, Calignano A. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha plays a crucial role in behavioral repetition and cognitive flexibility in mice. Mol Metab. 2015 May 2;4(7):528-36. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | 6 invited talks at 6 scientific conferences held around the world |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talks by: - Physiological Reviews - Athens, Greece, June 2019 - Banbury, Cold Spring Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, NY, USA April 2019 (approx 50 people) - Copenhagen Biosciences Center, Novo Nordisk, Copenhagen, Denmark, Oct 2019 (approx 200 people) - 7th Helmholtz Diabetes Conference, Munich Germany Sept 2019 (approx 200 people) - 7th Mediterranean Neuroscience Conference, Marrakech, Morocco June 2019 (approx 1000 people) - Physiology Society, Physiology of Obesity and Diabetes Symposium, Aberdeen, UK July 2019 (a few thousand people) Each invited talk was given at the above scientific conferences, which attracted researchers in the area of obesity and diabetes and attendance ranged from 50 to a few thousand. Each invited talk sparked questions and discussion both after the talk and in more information social gatherings, and people expressed increased interest in the subject area. A few of the talks led to follow up emails and collaboration. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Blog for World Diabetes Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Blog for World Diabetes Day posted on the University Website where I described what diabetes is and how the brain is involved in controlling blood sugar. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | http://bit.ly/Diabetes_and_Brain |
Description | Blog of University of Aberdeen page for International Women's Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Blog to encourage women (and men) to pursue STEM research. Provided answers related to career progression (from aspiration to achievement). Reach was very good. Blog advertised on twitter and Facebook. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://www.abdn.ac.uk/smmsn/blog/index.php |
Description | Brain and gut interaction in obesity workshop, Sydney, Australia |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The talk stimulated questions and discussion. I met with students afterwards who were interested in joining my research group. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Brain-body Interactions virtual seminar series - invited talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | This international virtual seminar series is held to stimulate interest and discussion about the brain and body interactions. It is intended to reach a wide audience and has its own YouTube channel. This led to questions and discussion where the audience engaged with the topic and reported increased understanding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.brainbodyinteractions.org/draft |
Description | British Society for Neuroendocrinology and French Neuroendocrine Society (SNE) joint meeting - invited talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This was a virtual talk that reached audiences from the UK and France with an interest in neuroendocrinology. This led to questions and discussion where the audience engaged with the topic and reported increased understanding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://bsn-sne2020.sciencesconf.org |
Description | Broomhill school visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 60 primary pupils attended a presentation by Prof Heisler with the objective of stimulating interest in science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Café Med lecture series |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Approximately 100 people attended a cafe med lecture about the brain and appetite regulation and possible new obesity medications. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.abdn.ac.uk/engage/public/cafe-med-110.php |
Description | Café Scientifique - Can our brain help us shed those holiday party pounds? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Over 100 people attended my talk about my research related to the BBSRC funded research at a public engagement lecture. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.meetup.com/Aberdeen-Entertainment/events/236243212/ |
Description | Cell Biology Seminar Imperial College London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Approximately 60 people attended this seminar in which I presented data related to the funded proposal. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://twitter.com/i/web/status/821705609154297856 |
Description | Conference Session Chairperson - Federation of European Neuroscience |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Co-organised a session for FENS where data related to this research grant was to be presented by my postdoctoral fellow. Meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Conference co-organiser, Keystone meeting Neuronal Control of Appetite, Metabolism and Weight |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Lead co-organiser of prestigious Keystone conference. Conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark was entitled Neuronal Control of Appetite, Metabolism and Weight. Feedback was very positive and led to invitation to join Keystone conference Scientific Advisory Board as an Ad Hoc member. Attended this advisory meeting in Denver, Co in 2018 which decided on future Keystone meetings and their organisers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.keystonesymposia.org/17Z5 |
Description | Conference co-organiser, Neurobiology of Obesity Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Lead co-organiser of a meeting focussed on the Neurobiology of Obesity. Meeting was attended by a little over 100 delegates (scientists, practitioners and journal editors). Feedback was extremely positive and requests were made to make this an annual event. Another meeting is now scheduled for 2018. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.abdn.ac.uk/events/nos-aberdeen/ |
Description | EMBL - Rome, Italy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | talk stimulated interest and discussion I met with students and discussed research and careers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Edinburgh Science Festival: Harvesting for Health |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Participated in an event led by the Rowett Institute to raise awareness about various cardiovascular and nutritional health issues and to explain to the attendees about the research that is carried out at this institute. During this event, PhD student Teodora Georgescu and other lab members helped to run various activities highlighting gut and cardiovascular health. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | European College of Neuropsychopharmacology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Nutrition network established by ECNP to bring together scientists and food manufacturers to foster new research directions and discoveries related to appetite neurocircuitry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.ecnp.eu/research-innovation/ECNP-networks/List-ECNP-Networks/Nutrition.aspx |
Description | Expert consultant, BBC radio interview "You can't outrun a bad diet." |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | BBC Radio interview about the effect of physical activity on body weight. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Expert consultant, The Telegraph |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview about dieting. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/health/protein-diets-intensive-workouts-or-grapes-the-weight-loss-m... |
Description | Food on your mind |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The talk prompted questions and discussion. After the talk, I was approached by a few people who wanted to discuss working with me. One wanted to volunteer in the lab and another group of engineers/software designers wanted to talk about devising a product that could aid in weight management. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.abdn.ac.uk/events/5009/ |
Description | Gordon Research Conference, Molecular Pharmacology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at Gordon Research Conference Molecular Pharmacology meeting. Unfortunately, the meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Hypothalamic Circuits for Control of Survival Behaviors, Janelia Farm Research Campus, Maryland USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | conference Talk Title: Hypothalamic actions of neuropeptides in appetite control |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society, Uppsala, Sweeden |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Conference Talk Title: Subset of Pomc peptides controlling ingestive behaviour and body weight |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.ibangs.org |
Description | International Student Research Forum |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Keynote talk at student event - Talk title: Navigating the brain atlas of hunger |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Invited Keynote, von Hofsten meeting, Uppsala University, Sweden |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Gave Keynote address for von Hofsten meeting, Uppsala University, Sweden and spoke about my research related to the BBSRC funded work. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Invited tak, European Association for the Study of Diabetes |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at EASD with media press release. Talk given to an audience of approximately 400. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.easd.org/annual-meeting/easd-2017.html |
Description | Invited talk - Edinburgh Diabetes Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Approximately 100 people attended the Edinburgh Diabetes conference. My invited talk sparked discussion and questions and the audience reported changing views. A collaborative work arose from the meeting with Prof Robert Semple. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Invited talk - Gordon Research Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The GRC meeting was over-subscribed, so all seats were filled. Discussed data related to the grant. this sparked a lot of questions from the audience and led to invitations to join a SAB, begin a consultancy and a future funding by different pharmaceutical companies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.grc.org/molecular-pharmacology-conference/2023/ |
Description | Invited talk - Obesity in a Life-Course Perspective Conference, Danish Diabetes Academy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Approximately 120 attended this conference where I was invited to talk. I presented work related to the BBSRC funded project. The presentation sparked questions and discussion. One of the impacts was an invitation to speak at another meeting in Sept. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://ddeacademy.dk |
Description | Invited talk - Society for Endocrinology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk about grants and strategies for successful grant applications was given at the national meeting in person. The talk was recorded to increase the reach. This led to questions and discussion where the audience engaged with the topic, asked for advice and reported increased understanding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.endocrinology.org/events/sfe-bes-conference/sfe-bes-2021/scientific-programme/ |
Description | Invited talk at American Diabetes Association annual meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk for the American Diabetes Association in one of their main annual talks - Highlights of the Past Year in Basic, Translational, and Clinical Science. Meeting was attended by roughly 12,000 people and the talk was one of the main program highlights. Expected attendance in the thousands. Good discussion afterwards illustrating high engagement. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.adameetingnews.org/live-updates/session-coverage/year-of-discovery-furthers-understandin... |
Description | Invited talk at University of West Virginia, USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Approximately 40 people attended a talk where I spoke about data related to this research programme over a one hour period. This was followed up by an information talk with graduate students for another hour where they could ask me more detailed questions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Invited talk, Biochemical Society meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk given to approximately 100 people attended a meeting hosted by the Biochemical Society called - Insulin and exercise signalling for glucose homeostasis and metabolic health. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.biochemistry.org/Events/tabid/379/Filter/64/MeetingNo/SA202/view/Conference/Default.aspx |
Description | Invited talk, British Endocrine Society annual meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at the British Endocrine Society Annual meeting. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.endocrinology.org/events/sfe-bes-conference/sfe-bes-2017/ |
Description | Invited talk, Cell Symposia: Metabolic Disease Therapies, San Diego, CA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at Cell Symposia: Metabolic Disease Therapies, which was attended by approximately 300 scientists, journal editors and members of industry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.cell-symposia.com/metabolic-therapies-2017/ |
Description | Invited talk, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, Oxford, UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | workshop Talk title: Circadian feeding patterns modulated by the serotonin system |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Invited talk, G protein coupled receptor workshop, Hawaii |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk given at a GPCR focussed meeting attended by approximately 300 delegates (scientists, members of industry and journal editors). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.gpcrworkshop.com |
Description | Invited talk, Mediterranean Neuroscience Society annual meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk to an audience of approximately 75 delegates (scientists, journal editors and members of industry). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.mnsmeeting2017.com |
Description | Invited talk, Molecular Pharmacology Gordon Research Conference, Italy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | More than 200 academics, students, journal editors, industry leaders heard my presentation about my research and this sparked discussion. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |
URL | https://www.grc.org/meetings.aspx?year=2017 |
Description | Invited talk, Robert Gordons College school visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 60 pupils attended a presentation and activity by Prof Heisler and Dr Rochford about the regulation of energy homeostasis and body weight. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | MRC Workshop on Obesity |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | the purpose of this workshop devised by the MRC was to reconsider the MRC's strategic priorities for obesity research and to formulate new priorities to promote research in areas that will create the greatest advances. We prepared a document regarding what national obesity experts attending the workshop consider to be the most important strategic priorities. This will be presented to the MRC policy makers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Media |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | International media coverage of paper by Flak et al. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen/466860/aberdeen-uni-scientists-discover-new-brain... |
Description | Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology Seminar Series, University College London, London UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Approximately 50 people attended my presentation of research related to the funded proposals. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences/biosciences-events-publication/2016-2017/seminar-lora-heisler/ |
Description | Nutrition Network meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | 15 members of a European nutrition network met to discuss engagement with stakeholders, politicians and funders. Plans were made for 2 international meetings with members of these groups to discuss the impact of nutrition on health. Also discussed was a position paper that we co-wrote. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Nutrition Network, European College of Neuropsychopharmacology meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The European Nutrition Network met twice in 2022 to discuss position papers, ways to impact government nutrition policy and research. Impacts include attainment of funding to drive change in nutrition policy and produce transformative research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Obesity workshop, Oxford |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Post doc Giuseppe D'Agostino's talk was very well received and stimulated a lot of interest and discussion. Postdoc Giuseppe D'Agostino made links with a laboratory at Yale University who were pursuing similar new techniques. He travelled to Yale to directly receive training in the new techniques, which he has successfully implemented now at the University of Aberdeen. I have also since been invited to participate in a similar workshop (on a different theme) in Europe. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.easd.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=85:oxfordws&catid=14:sample-data-ar... |
Description | Open day at Rowett Institute |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | roughly 150 people came to an open day at our Institute. We talked about our research and this sparked questions and discussion and increased interested in the subject. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Oregon Health Sciences University, USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | talk sparked questions and discussion. I met with students who were interested in my research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Press Release and international media coverage Burke et al. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Burke et al., Mol Metab Feb 2016 Press Release. International multi-media coverage: (TV: STV and others), radio interviews (BBC and others), newspapers (The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Sun, The Herald (front page), The Mirror, Washington Post and more than 60 others), magazines (multiple), online news sites (multiple). Covered in more than 5 languages and multiple countries. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/8650/ |
Description | Public Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Award of the Public Lecture Prize the the British Society for Endocrinology. Audience included the general public and also Endocrine society delegates and industry representatives. Lecture was recorded and is available on social media. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNweruBpY2o |
Description | Public talk - stuff worth knowing |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public engagement talk at the local Science Centre that attracted roughly 20 people, including senior school students, undergraduates and post-graduate students. this sparked discussion and questions and participants reported increased interest in the subject area. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.aberdeensciencecentre.org/whats-on |
Description | Rowett Open Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The open day was well attended by the public and we created a table with information related to BBSRC funded research. Biggest impact was the public asking questions and having discussion about the research and reporting changing views. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | School visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 3 classes of primary school children visited the Rowett Institute where we told the student about the effect of nutrition on health. We also explained the discovery of insulin 100 years ago. The children engaged in activities, make scientific badges and received tours (I led these events). the impact was children reporting changing views about nutrition. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Serotonin Symposium, South Africa |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The talk was very well received and sparked quite a lot of interest and discussion in the audience. After Giuseppe's talk, we were approached to open up a new collaboration. The talk led to a new collaboration with a group in the USA who were interested in using the research tools that we have generated. This is now active. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.serotoninclub.org/ISSR%20Programme%20Final%202.pdf |
Description | The Endocrine Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at the Endocrine Society annual meeting. The meeting was originally scheduled for San Francisco, CA in the USA, but was cancelled. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/9188/presentation/725 |
Description | The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The talk led to specific questions about the brain control of appetite and how to manage hunger. Practitioners said that they would follow my research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Twitter Chat, Rowettchat |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A live twitter chat with the public that answered questions about the brain, food intake and body weight regulation. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://twubs.com/rowettchat |
Description | UK Congress on Obesity |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk stimulated questions and discussion. After the talk, students approached me to discuss my work. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.aso.org.uk/conferences/aso-uk-congress-on-obesity-2014/ |
Description | Wellcome Trust Researcher Spotlight |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interviewed for Wellcome Trust blog about my research programme. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://blog.wellcome.ac.uk/2015/04/27/researcher-spotlight-professor-lora-heisler/ |
Description | invited talk - 8th International Webinar on COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCES" (ICBN-2023) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Webinar where research related to the grant was relayed to an online audience. Discussed brain circuits regulating food intake and body weight with a focus on the nucleus of the solitary tract. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://cognition-behaviour.com/ |
Description | invited talk - Barbora Davis Diabetes Center, Univ of Colorado |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at Barbora Davis Diabetes Center, Univ of Colorado attended by roughly 60 academics, medics and students. Talk sparked discussed and plans for future collaboration were made. However, due to COVID-19, they have not yet been implemented. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | invited talk - Cologne Molecular Medicine Conference (CMMC) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This translational meeting included clinicians and basic scientists with the goal to review 25 years of progress in molecular medicine. The talk stimulated lively questions and discussion where the audience engaged with the topic and reported increased understanding. The meeting was in person and virtual to increase reach. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.cmmc-uni-koeln.de/events/cmmc-symposium-2021 |
Description | invited talk - Diabetes UK, Glasgow, UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | invitation to give a talk at Diabetes UK, Glasgow, UK. Planned to present data related to this grant. Meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | invited talk - European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP), Nice, France |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP), Nice, France. Conference was cancelled due to COVID-19. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | invited talk - Experimental Biology 2021 (ASPET) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Prof Heisler gave an invited talk at the international meeting ASPET as part of the large international meeting Experimental Biology 2021. The focus of the session was on GPCRs to target for the treatment of obesity - a topic that is very relevant to the BBSRC grants held by Heisler. The talk was a virtual format and recorded to increase the reach. This led to questions and discussion where the audience engaged with the topic and reported increased understanding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.aspet.org/aspet/meetings-awards/meetingsannual-meeting/annual-meeting-archives/aspet-ann... |
Description | invited talk - GPCR: Pharmacology to Physiology, Experimental Biology, San Diego, CA USA |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at GPCR: Pharmacology to Physiology, Experimental Biology, San Diego, CA USA. Meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | invited talk - Helmholtz Diabetes Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presented research at the Helmholtz Diabetes Conference in Munich Germany to an audience of roughly 200. Sparked questions and discussion with international academic researchers, students and journal editors. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.helmholtzresearchschool-diabetes.org/news-events/news/news/article/31424/index.html |
Description | invited talk - Molecules to Behavior Underlying Interoception, Janelia Farm |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at leading research centre, the a scientific research campus of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Farm. Conference was cancelled due to COVID-19. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | invited talk - Neurometabolic Summer Seminar series |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Invited talk by ECRs who arranged a virtual Neurometabolic Summer Seminar series for ECRs. Organising students are based in Quebec, Canada. Purpose was to inspire the next generation of researchers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://rbiq-qbin.qc.ca/2023/05/24/scin-neurometabolic-summer-seminar-series-2023/ |
Description | invited talk - Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research Bioscience Snapshot lecture was attended by roughly 30 postgraduate students with an interest in bioscience. I presented data related to this grant proposal and this sparked discussion afterwards. Following this, a discussion group was held to probe the ideas presented further. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://cph-bioscience.com/en/events/copenhagen-bioscience-snapshot-nov2020 |
Description | invited talk - Rowett Institute Industry Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Various members of the food and pharmaceutical industry were invited to our Research Institute to discuss potential collaborations. I gave an invited talk about my laboratory's research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | invited talk and poster - Novo Nordisk Metabolism in Action |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | PI Heisler presented data in an overview of this grant and previous grants in an invited talk and PDRA Martynova presented a poster on her progress on the project. The talk and poster stimulated lively questions and discussion where the audience engaged with the topic and reported increased understanding. The meeting was in person and virtual to increase reach. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://cph-bioscience.com/en/events/metabolisminaction-centralandperipheralcontrolofenergymetabolis... |
Description | invited talk by Society for Endocrinology for Inspirational Women |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | The Endocrine Society brought together 4 women (a scientist (Lora Heisler), a medical doctor, a trainee and a nurse) to tell their inspirational stories - from aspiration to achievement in a webinar. Event was advertised on social media and received a wide reach. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://www.endocrinology.org/events/webinars/from-aspiration-to-achievement-celebrating-women-in-en... |
Description | invited talk- 12th Swiss Winter Conference on Ingestive Behavior |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Both Co-Is Heisler and Rochford were invited to speak at the meeting. Due to COVID-related restrictions in travel, the meeting was not as well attended as expected or as in previous years, however, the advantage of this is that the participants engaged in more discussion. The talk generated numerous questions and appears to be leading to 2 new collaborations with investigators in Denmark and Switzerland. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.winter-ingestion.uzh.ch/en/Past-Meetings.html |
Description | invited webnair - InsideScientific |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | More than 500 people registered and attended this webnair where I discussed the brain circuits driving appetite. The presentation was live and can also be viewed in a recorded format. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://insidescientific.com/profile/lora-heisler/ |
Description | public talk - Aberdeen City Council 100 years of Insulin |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The City Council of Aberdeen held an event to celebrate the 100 years of insulin and invited a diverse audience. Heisler and Rochford's research were presented at the event. The event increased understanding of the history of the discovery of insulin and contemporary strategies to prevent and treat diabetes today (e.g. Heisler and Rochford's research). Members of the media and general public reported changing views. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | school visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Gave a talk and students engaged in an activity about research related to the grant to final year biology students at a local school. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |