Accessing and actuating specified neural circuits underlying motor function and dysfunction
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Nerve cells in a brain region known as the basal ganglia are essential for making decisions and acting on them. This is shown by the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, in which the basal ganglia do not work properly.
Here, we aim to explain how nerve cells in the basal ganglia work together with their partner “motor circuits” to support purposeful movement. We will focus our efforts on discovering when, why and how different types of nerve cell use special patterns of electrical activity, genes and connections to control behaviour. As an important part of this, we will define how a lack of the chemical dopamine, as occurs in Parkinson’s disease, changes the ways in which these nerve cells interact and how they influence behaviour. This should help us better understand why people with Parkinson’s disease have difficulties with moving. These key issues cannot be addressed by studying humans alone, so we study the ways in which brain cells work in rodents (rats and mice).
This research will provide important new knowledge about how cells in the basal ganglia communicate with each other in health and disease. By defining the unique and complementary roles played by different types of nerve cell during movement, this research will put us in a stronger position to develop new therapies that are better able to manage brain activity and provide improved relief from symptoms in advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Here, we aim to explain how nerve cells in the basal ganglia work together with their partner “motor circuits” to support purposeful movement. We will focus our efforts on discovering when, why and how different types of nerve cell use special patterns of electrical activity, genes and connections to control behaviour. As an important part of this, we will define how a lack of the chemical dopamine, as occurs in Parkinson’s disease, changes the ways in which these nerve cells interact and how they influence behaviour. This should help us better understand why people with Parkinson’s disease have difficulties with moving. These key issues cannot be addressed by studying humans alone, so we study the ways in which brain cells work in rodents (rats and mice).
This research will provide important new knowledge about how cells in the basal ganglia communicate with each other in health and disease. By defining the unique and complementary roles played by different types of nerve cell during movement, this research will put us in a stronger position to develop new therapies that are better able to manage brain activity and provide improved relief from symptoms in advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Technical Summary
The design of new strategies for treating the symptoms of brain diseases must be tempered by a mature knowledge of how different nerve cell types fulfil their specialised roles to govern behaviour. The overarching goal of this Programme is to deliver high-resolution readouts and mechanistic explanations of brain motor circuit organization in the context of normal behaviours as well as impaired Parkinsonian behaviours. Focusing on the ‘motor domains’ of the neuronal circuits linking the basal ganglia, thalamus and cerebral cortex, we will harness cutting-edge technologies for identifying, accessing and manipulating neurons in vivo to provide fundamental new insights into the specific cellular substrates of the neuronal network dynamics therein. We will place special emphasis on defining how the interactions and activities of identified cell types in these motor circuits vary according to the temporal profile of dopamine release and movement. As a key corollary of this, we will define how a paucity of dopamine release, as occurs in Parkinson’s disease and its animal models, impacts on the neuronal encoding of behaviour in these motor circuits. To achieve our specific aims, we will couple novel and advanced analytical techniques with experimental interventions designed to probe causal interactions between specified circuit elements with high spatiotemporal precision. Our experiments will centre on the use of wild type and genetically-altered rodents with intact or comprised midbrain dopaminergic systems, the readouts from which will straddle multiple levels of function including molecular/genetic, structural, electrophysiological and behavioural. In capitalising on the new level of understanding of the dynamics of identified neurons that will be gained here, we will also exploit specified cell types and other circuit elements as novel points of entry for spatiotemporally-patterned interventions designed to correct circuit dysfunction and related behavioural deficits in advanced Parkinsonism.
Organisations
- University of Oxford (Lead Research Organisation)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- University of Ulm (Collaboration)
- Karolinska Institute (Collaboration)
- Aligning Sciences Across Parkinson's (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- University of California, Berkeley (Collaboration)
- EVOTEC (Collaboration)
- Boston University (Collaboration)
- Forma Therapeutics (Collaboration)
- University of Pennsylvania (Collaboration)
- Emory University (Collaboration)
- Bristol-Myers Squibb (Collaboration)
- University of Bristol (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Peter Magill (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Abdi A
(2015)
Prototypic and arkypallidal neurons in the dopamine-intact external globus pallidus.
in The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
Avvisati R
(2024)
Distributional coding of associative learning in discrete populations of midbrain dopamine neurons
in Cell Reports
Bienvenu TC
(2015)
Large intercalated neurons of amygdala relay noxious sensory information.
in The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience
Bogacz R
(2016)
Properties of Neurons in External Globus Pallidus Can Support Optimal Action Selection.
in PLoS computational biology
Cagnan H
(2019)
Temporal evolution of beta bursts in the parkinsonian cortical and basal ganglia network.
in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Connor-Robson N
(2019)
An integrated transcriptomics and proteomics analysis reveals functional endocytic dysregulation caused by mutations in LRRK2.
in Neurobiology of disease
Dodson PD
(2016)
Representation of spontaneous movement by dopaminergic neurons is cell-type selective and disrupted in parkinsonism.
in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Garas FN
(2018)
Structural and molecular heterogeneity of calretinin-expressing interneurons in the rodent and primate striatum.
in The Journal of comparative neurology
Related Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Award Value |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MC_UU_12024/1 | 31/03/2015 | 30/03/2020 | £3,057,940 | ||
MC_UU_12024/2 | Transfer | MC_UU_12024/1 | 31/03/2015 | 30/03/2020 | £1,597,940 |
MC_UU_12024/3 | Transfer | MC_UU_12024/2 | 31/03/2015 | 30/03/2020 | £1,830,940 |
MC_UU_12024/4 | Transfer | MC_UU_12024/3 | 31/03/2015 | 30/03/2020 | £2,545,940 |
MC_UU_12024/5 | Transfer | MC_UU_12024/4 | 31/03/2015 | 30/03/2020 | £1,287,940 |
Title | Brain Diaries, Museum of Natural History, Oxford. |
Description | I served on the Steering Committee for Brain Diaries, a major exhibition and series of events revealing how the latest neuroscience is transforming what we know about the lifelong development of our brains, from birth to the end of life. |
Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Impact | Impacts are being evaluated by the University of Oxford and its partners. |
URL | http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/braindiaries/ |
Description | Chair, Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (Oxford) |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Impact | Improvements in use of animals in research at Oxford University. |
URL | http://www.vet.ox.ac.uk/hoadmin/ERP.html |
Description | Member of Neuroscience and Mental Health Board, Medical Research Council |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
URL | https://mrc.ukri.org/about/our-structure/research-boards-panels/neurosciences-mental-health-board/ |
Description | Member of Research Grants Board 20K (Biological Sciences), The Royal Society |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
URL | https://royalsociety.org/people/peter-magill-9962/ |
Description | Member, Steering Group of Oxford-MRC Doctoral Training Partnership. |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
URL | https://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/graduateschool/mrcdtp |
Description | Training of NHS staff (neurological physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists) |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Description | BBSRC New Investigator Award (P.D.D.) |
Amount | £357,671 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/P006957/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | BBSRC Project Grant (Response Mode) (R.B., M.W). |
Amount | £689,110 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/S006338/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 12/2022 |
Description | BBSRC Project Grant (Response Mode) (S.B., M.K.) |
Amount | £524,885 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/P003796/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2016 |
End | 11/2019 |
Description | BMS Sponsored Research Project - The emergence of Lewy pathology and its manifold sequelae in vivo |
Amount | £590,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
Sector | Private |
Country | United States |
Start | 12/2020 |
End | 06/2024 |
Description | Mapping the modulatory landscape governing striatal dopamine signaling and its dysregulation in Parkinson's disease |
Amount | $8,993,237 (USD) |
Funding ID | ASAP-020370 |
Organisation | Aligning Sciences Across Parkinson's |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United States |
Start | 11/2021 |
End | 10/2024 |
Description | Monument Trust Discovery Award (Renewal) |
Amount | £5,800,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | J-1403 |
Organisation | Parkinson's UK |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2015 |
End | 06/2021 |
Description | New Investigator Award |
Amount | £1,755,735 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 101821/Z/13/Z |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2014 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | Oxford-BMS DUB Alliance |
Amount | £4,750,414 (GBP) |
Organisation | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
Sector | Private |
Country | United States |
Start | 05/2021 |
End | 06/2023 |
Description | Oxford-FORMA Therapeutics Research Alliance |
Amount | £7,353,619 (GBP) |
Organisation | FORMA Therapeutics |
Sector | Private |
Country | United States |
Start | 04/2018 |
End | 05/2021 |
Description | Parkinson's Disease Research Award |
Amount | £133,400 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MRF-068-0001-RG-MAGIL |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Department | Medical Research Foundation |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2016 |
End | 08/2018 |
Description | Parkinson's UK Project Grant |
Amount | £216,824 (GBP) |
Funding ID | G-1702 |
Organisation | Parkinson's UK |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2018 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | WT Collaborative Award in Science - Compartmentalised calcium handling in dopamine neurons: importance for selective vulnerability in Parkinson's. |
Amount | £3,743,939 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 223202/Z/21/Z |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2022 |
End | 04/2027 |
Description | Wellcome Trust Clinical Training PhD Fellowship (R.S.) |
Amount | £235,319 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 109030/Z/15/Z |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2015 |
End | 09/2018 |
Description | Wellcome Trust Four-Year PhD Studentship (L.B.) |
Amount | £192,916 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 109060/Z/15/Z |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2016 |
End | 09/2019 |
Title | 'Optogenetics-capable' mouse model of Parkinsonism |
Description | We have generated a new line of genetically-altered mice that facilitate access to and interrogation of dopamine-producing neurons in the Parkinsonian brain. These mice are unique in: (1) expressing the enzyme Cre recombinase in neurons that make the dopamine transporter; and (2) moderately over-expressing wildtype human alpha-synuclein. Expression of Cre recombinase allows highly selective access to midbrain dopamine neurons (which are particularly vulnerable in Parkinsonism) for optogenetic manipulations. Over-expression of human alpha-synuclein recapitulates a genetic burden of relevance for inherited and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (see Janezic et al. (2013) and Dodson et al. (2016) in Publications section). We have also generated the genetic controls for this new mouse line. |
Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - mammalian in vivo |
Year Produced | 2016 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | We are using this new mouse line as a research tool. We have also given some mice to collabarators at Oxford. No definitive impacts yet. |
Title | Bespoke equipment for neuroscience research using head-fixed behaving mice |
Description | We have established infrastructure (including graphical software, 3D printing and electronics) for the ad hoc design and custom manufacturing of bespoke equipment (including behavioural testing apparatus) for our neuroscience research using head-fixed awake mice. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Greatly facilitating our research. |
URL | https://data.mrc.ox.ac.uk/data-set/syringe-pump |
Title | Flp-dependent constructs and viral vectors |
Description | We have generated new DNA constructs and viral vectors (AAVs) harbouring Flippase (Flp)-dependent gene expression. These tools will facilitate access to and interrogation of Flp-expressing neurons in the brain. |
Type Of Material | Biological samples |
Year Produced | 2016 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | We are using these research tools, but no definitive impacts yet. |
Title | Database capturing the in vivo activity dynamics of neurochemically-identified striatal interneurons |
Description | We have generated a unique database that contains electrophysiological signatures of 4 types of striatal interneurons, as recorded and identified in rats. This database is an asset of particular value to computational neuroscientists and other researchers who are not positioned to gather such data themselves. We made the data available via the MRC Unit's Data Sharing Platform. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | New insights into cell-type-selective activity dynamics in the striatum. |
URL | https://data.mrc.ox.ac.uk/data-set/electrophysiological-recordings-juxtacellularly-labelled-striatal... |
Title | Database capturing the in vivo activity dynamics of neurons in a rat model of Parkinsonism. |
Description | We have generated a unique database that contains electrophysiological readouts of single neuron function and neural population dynamics in the basal ganglia, thalamus and cerebral cortex of dopamine-depleted Parkinsonian rats and their dopamine-intact controls. This database is an asset of particular value to computational neuroscientists and others who are not positioned to gather such data themselves. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2011 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | New insights into pathological changes to these brain circuits in Parkinson's disease. External users have published one original research article that leveraged the database (Edgerton & Jaeger 2011, PMID: 21795543). |
Title | Database of images (digitized atlas) capturing chemoarchitectonic features of mouse brain |
Description | We have generated a unique database that contains high-resolution images of chemoarchitectonic features of mouse brain. This database is an asset of particular value to researchers who are not positioned to gather such data themselves. We made the atlas freely available via the MRC Unit's Data Sharing Platform in 2018. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | New and unambiguous definitions of brain nuclei to facilitate neuroscience research, promote data sharing/reproducibility, and postively impact on 'The 3Rs'. |
URL | https://data.mrc.ox.ac.uk/chamber |
Description | Advanced signals analysis for understanding brain circuit dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with signals analysis experts to gain new knowledge about the propagation of abnormal brain rhythms in Parkinson's disease. As part of this, I generate electrophysiological data in animal models of Parkinsonism. |
Collaborator Contribution | New insights into the dysfunctional organization of rhythmic neuronal activity in brain circuits in Parkinson's disease. |
Impact | Published two original research papers with collaborators in an international peer-reviewed journal (West et al., 2018, PMC6008089, and Reis et al., 2019, PMC6503152). |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network |
Organisation | Aligning Sciences Across Parkinson's |
Country | United States |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 2 other Oxford groups, as well as groups at the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) and Boston University (USA), as part of a substantial research consortium focused on mapping the modulatory landscape governing striatal dopamine signalling and its dysregulation in Parkinson's. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for consortium funding. I co-lead on research efforts directed toward the electrophysiological and photometric interrogation of mouse models of Parkinson's. Our consortium is by default part of the larger Collaborative Research Network of Aligning Science Across Parkinson's, which is made of up for ca. 50 groups from around the world. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our research using mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Impact | Oxford-Sweden-Boston consortium awarded substantial research funding (9 million USD over 3 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network |
Organisation | Boston University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 2 other Oxford groups, as well as groups at the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) and Boston University (USA), as part of a substantial research consortium focused on mapping the modulatory landscape governing striatal dopamine signalling and its dysregulation in Parkinson's. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for consortium funding. I co-lead on research efforts directed toward the electrophysiological and photometric interrogation of mouse models of Parkinson's. Our consortium is by default part of the larger Collaborative Research Network of Aligning Science Across Parkinson's, which is made of up for ca. 50 groups from around the world. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our research using mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Impact | Oxford-Sweden-Boston consortium awarded substantial research funding (9 million USD over 3 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network |
Organisation | Karolinska Institute |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 2 other Oxford groups, as well as groups at the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) and Boston University (USA), as part of a substantial research consortium focused on mapping the modulatory landscape governing striatal dopamine signalling and its dysregulation in Parkinson's. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for consortium funding. I co-lead on research efforts directed toward the electrophysiological and photometric interrogation of mouse models of Parkinson's. Our consortium is by default part of the larger Collaborative Research Network of Aligning Science Across Parkinson's, which is made of up for ca. 50 groups from around the world. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our research using mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Impact | Oxford-Sweden-Boston consortium awarded substantial research funding (9 million USD over 3 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 2 other Oxford groups, as well as groups at the Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) and Boston University (USA), as part of a substantial research consortium focused on mapping the modulatory landscape governing striatal dopamine signalling and its dysregulation in Parkinson's. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for consortium funding. I co-lead on research efforts directed toward the electrophysiological and photometric interrogation of mouse models of Parkinson's. Our consortium is by default part of the larger Collaborative Research Network of Aligning Science Across Parkinson's, which is made of up for ca. 50 groups from around the world. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our research using mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Impact | Oxford-Sweden-Boston consortium awarded substantial research funding (9 million USD over 3 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 21 other Oxford groups, and numerous eternal parties, as part of the Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute. I was invited to join the Consortium, and act as a Co-Applicant in the bid for initial ARUK funding (see: http://o3di.medsci.ox.ac.uk/co-applicants ), to help drive efforts directed toward the phenotyping of whole-animal models of dementia. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our work on the use of whole-animal models for drug discovery. |
Impact | Consortium awarded substantial research funding (more than 10 million over 5 years). Consortium research is multidisciplinary, spanning clinical and non-clinical work at the forefront of genomics/genetics, bioinformatics, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, functional imaging etc. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Celgene/Bristol Myers Squibb (autophagy in animal models) |
Organisation | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
Department | Celgene |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with personnel at Celgene/Bristol Myers Squibb to advance our phenotyping of whole-animal models of neurodegenerative disease, with a scientific focus on autophagy. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our work on the use of whole-animal models for drug discovery. |
Impact | Awarded funding as Sponsored Research Project (see Further Funding section). |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Comparative studies of striatal interneurons in rodents and primates. |
Organisation | Emory University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | To gain new knowledge about the conservation of striatal cell types across species, I collaborate with researchers who are exert in anatomical analyses of basal ganglia circuits in primates. As part of this, I generate and analyse neuroanatomical data in rodents (rats, mice) for comparison to data from primates (rhesus macaques). |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of perfusion-fixed tissue samples, and assistance with interpretation of data from anatomical analyses of primate brain. |
Impact | Published two original research papers with collaborators in international peer-reviewed journals (Garas et al., 2016; Garas et al., 2018; see Publications section). |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Defining the expression of GABA transporters in the mouse striatum |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Contributed to design, execution and interpretation of anatomical experiments designed to define the relationship between striatal dopamine release and GABA transporter expression, thus providing new insights into the substrates controlling dopamine signalling. |
Collaborator Contribution | Generated voltammetric and electrophysiological data defining the effect of drugs targeting GABA transporters on striatal dopamine release, thus providing new insights into the substrates controlling dopamine signalling. |
Impact | Published one original research paper with collaborators in an international peer-reviewed journal (Roberts et al., 2020; see Publications section). |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Encoding of behaviour by striatal dopamine release |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Department of Experimental Psychology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Contributed to design, execution and interpretation of experiments designed to define the relationship between striatal dopamine release and behaviour, thus providing new insights into the neuronal substrates of action and motivation. |
Collaborator Contribution | Generated voltammetric and behavioural data defining the relationship between striatal dopamine release and behaviour, thus providing new insights into the neuronal substrates of action and motivation. |
Impact | Published one original research paper with collaborators in an international peer-reviewed journal (Syed et al., 2016; see Publications section). |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Lewy bodies and cell function |
Organisation | University of Bristol |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | To gain new knowledge about how Lewy bodies impact on cell function in neurological disease, I collaborate with researchers who are expert in animal models of Lewy pathology. As part of this, I generate and analyse electrophysiological and anatomical data gathered using rodents (mice). |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of custom-made materials for inducing Lewy body-like aggregates in rodent models, and assistance with interpretation of data from analyses of rodent brain. |
Impact | Awarded project grant funding from Parkinson's UK (see Further Funding section). |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Lewy bodies and cell function |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | To gain new knowledge about how Lewy bodies impact on cell function in neurological disease, I collaborate with researchers who are expert in animal models of Lewy pathology. As part of this, I generate and analyse electrophysiological and anatomical data gathered using rodents (mice). |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of custom-made materials for inducing Lewy body-like aggregates in rodent models, and assistance with interpretation of data from analyses of rodent brain. |
Impact | Awarded project grant funding from Parkinson's UK (see Further Funding section). |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Lewy bodies and cell function |
Organisation | University of Pennsylvania |
Department | Perelman School of Medicine |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | To gain new knowledge about how Lewy bodies impact on cell function in neurological disease, I collaborate with researchers who are expert in animal models of Lewy pathology. As part of this, I generate and analyse electrophysiological and anatomical data gathered using rodents (mice). |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of custom-made materials for inducing Lewy body-like aggregates in rodent models, and assistance with interpretation of data from analyses of rodent brain. |
Impact | Awarded project grant funding from Parkinson's UK (see Further Funding section). |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Mapping whole-brain inputs to basal ganglia neurons. |
Organisation | Karolinska Institute |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with researchers at the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, to map the whole-brain inputs to genetically-defined set of neurons in the basal ganglia. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborators sent us the bespoke viral vector tools they generated. We are using these tools to generate quantitative data on the whole-brain inputs to genetically-defined set of neurons in the basal ganglia. |
Impact | Original research paper submitted for peer review and deposited on bioRxiv: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.11.26.400242v1 |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 12 other Oxford groups, as part of the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre (OPDC). As part of the Centre's work, I lead a research theme designed to generate and phenotype improved whole-animal models of Parkinson's disease. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our work in generating and phenotyping improved whole-animal models of Parkinson's disease. |
Impact | Consortium awarded substantial research funding (the largest single award solely devoted to Parkinson's disease research ever made in the UK; see Further Funding section). Initial award established the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre (OPDC). Award was renewed for further 5 years in 2014. Consortium research is multidisciplinary, spanning clinical and non-clinical work at the forefront of genomics/genetics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, electrophysiology, anatomy (pathology), functional imaging etc. Working with OPDC colleagues, my research group has published four original research papers in international-peer reviewed journals (Janezic et al., 2013; Pristera et al., 2015; Sloan et al., 2016; Dodson et al., 2016; see Publications section) |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Oxford-BMS DUB Alliance |
Organisation | Bristol-Myers Squibb |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 6 other Oxford groups, as well as with personnel at Bristol Myers Squibb (USA) and Evotec (Germany), as part of the Oxford-BMS DUB Alliance. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for consortium funding. I lead on research efforts directed toward the phenotyping of whole-animal models of neurodegenerative disease. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our work on the use of whole-animal models for drug discovery. |
Impact | Oxford groups awarded substantial research funding (4.8 million GBP over 2 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Oxford-BMS DUB Alliance |
Organisation | Evotec |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 6 other Oxford groups, as well as with personnel at Bristol Myers Squibb (USA) and Evotec (Germany), as part of the Oxford-BMS DUB Alliance. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for consortium funding. I lead on research efforts directed toward the phenotyping of whole-animal models of neurodegenerative disease. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our work on the use of whole-animal models for drug discovery. |
Impact | Oxford groups awarded substantial research funding (4.8 million GBP over 2 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Oxford-BMS DUB Alliance |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 6 other Oxford groups, as well as with personnel at Bristol Myers Squibb (USA) and Evotec (Germany), as part of the Oxford-BMS DUB Alliance. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for consortium funding. I lead on research efforts directed toward the phenotyping of whole-animal models of neurodegenerative disease. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our work on the use of whole-animal models for drug discovery. |
Impact | Oxford groups awarded substantial research funding (4.8 million GBP over 2 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Oxford-FORMA Therapeutics Research Alliance |
Organisation | FORMA Therapeutics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 6 other Oxford groups, as well as with personnel at FORMA Therapeutics, as part of the new Oxford-FORMA Therapeutics Research Alliance. I was invited to join the Alliance, and acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for FORMA Therapeutics funding, to help drive efforts directed toward the phenotyping of whole-animal models of neurodegenerative disease. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our work on the use of whole-animal models for drug discovery. |
Impact | Oxford groups awarded substantial research funding ( 7.3 million GBP over 3 years). |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Oxford-FORMA Therapeutics Research Alliance |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I collaborate with 6 other Oxford groups, as well as with personnel at FORMA Therapeutics, as part of the new Oxford-FORMA Therapeutics Research Alliance. I was invited to join the Alliance, and acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for FORMA Therapeutics funding, to help drive efforts directed toward the phenotyping of whole-animal models of neurodegenerative disease. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our work on the use of whole-animal models for drug discovery. |
Impact | Oxford groups awarded substantial research funding ( 7.3 million GBP over 3 years). |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Striatal encoding of action |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | To gain new knowledge about how the striatum encodes the costs and benefits of acting, I collaborate with researchers who are expert in the analysis of animal behaviour and the imaging of brain activity in rodents. As part of this, I provide assistance with interpretation of data from analyses of rodent brain. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of empirical data gathered using rodents (mice). |
Impact | Awarded project grant funding from BBSRC (see Further Funding section). |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Studies of mTOR function in midbrain dopamine neurons. |
Organisation | University of California, Berkeley |
Department | Department of Molecular & Cell Biology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Generated data defining how of a loss of mTOR regulators impacts on the functional organisation of axons of midbrain dopamine neurons, thus providing new insights into the human neurodevelopmental disorder Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. |
Collaborator Contribution | Generated data on the biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioural consequences of a loss of mTOR regulators in midbrain dopamine neurons, thus providing new insights into the human neurodevelopmental disorder Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. |
Impact | Published one original research paper in an international peer-reviewed journal (Kosillo et al. 2019; see Publications section). |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | The functional organisation of ventral striatum |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | To gain new knowledge about the functional organisation of ventral striatum, I collaborate with researchers who are expert in ex vivo electrophysiological analyses. As part of this, I generate and analyse neuroanatomical data in rodents (mice) to guide ex vivo electrophysiological analyses. |
Collaborator Contribution | Delivery of ex vivo electrophysiological data and analyses. |
Impact | Published one original research paper with collaborators in an international peer-reviewed journal (Trouche et al., 2019; see Publications section). |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | WT Collaborative Award in Science |
Organisation | University College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I am partnering with 2 other Oxford groups, as well as groups at University College London (UK) and the University of Ulm (Germany), as part of a substantial research collaboration focused on defining compartmentalised calcium handling in dopamine neurons and its importance for selective vulnerability in Parkinson's. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for collaborative funding. I lead research efforts directed toward the electrophysiological and photometric interrogation of mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our research using mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Impact | We and our 4 partners have been collectively awarded a Wellcome Trust Collaborative Awards in Science (3.7 million GBP over 5 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | WT Collaborative Award in Science |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I am partnering with 2 other Oxford groups, as well as groups at University College London (UK) and the University of Ulm (Germany), as part of a substantial research collaboration focused on defining compartmentalised calcium handling in dopamine neurons and its importance for selective vulnerability in Parkinson's. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for collaborative funding. I lead research efforts directed toward the electrophysiological and photometric interrogation of mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our research using mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Impact | We and our 4 partners have been collectively awarded a Wellcome Trust Collaborative Awards in Science (3.7 million GBP over 5 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | WT Collaborative Award in Science |
Organisation | University of Ulm |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I am partnering with 2 other Oxford groups, as well as groups at University College London (UK) and the University of Ulm (Germany), as part of a substantial research collaboration focused on defining compartmentalised calcium handling in dopamine neurons and its importance for selective vulnerability in Parkinson's. I acted as a Co-Applicant in the bid for collaborative funding. I lead research efforts directed toward the electrophysiological and photometric interrogation of mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Collaborator Contribution | Guide and inform our research using mouse models of Parkinson's. |
Impact | We and our 4 partners have been collectively awarded a Wellcome Trust Collaborative Awards in Science (3.7 million GBP over 5 years). See Further Funding section. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Generating Genius pupils visit to MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit |
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 | Schools |
Results and Impact | The MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit welcomed 25 pupils and teachers from state-funded schools in the London area who are enrolled with Generating Genius, a charitable organisation that supports talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to realise their potential in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). During the visit, small groups of pupils talked informally with MRC Unit members about key concepts and challenges in brain research, as well as what it is like being a scientist. Special emphasis was placed on giving pupils the opportunity to try some 'hands on' science and to see real working laboratories and instruments for themselves. The visit began with an open and interactive discussion of when, how and why animals are used in medical research. Activities were then coordinated around 4 'knowledge stations', at which pupils could experience some of the Unit's core research themes, including human brain stimulation, the electrical activity of nerve cells, microscopy in neuroscience, the nerve cell networks of memory, and the brain in health and Parkinson's disease. Written feedback from the pupils and the charity was very positive. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/generating-genius-pupils-visit-unit-learn-more-about-brain-research |
Description | Hosted lay members of Oxford and Banbury groups of the charity Parkinson's UK |
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 | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
Results and Impact | The MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit welcomed lay members of the Oxford and Banbury groups of the charity Parkinson's UK to learn more about the Unit's research on the causes and treatment of Parkinson's disease. The visit began with Unit Director Peter Brown highlighting the work of the Medical Research Council, the Unit's scientific mission, and the joint commitment to public engagement with research. This was followed by short presentations from Unit research fellow Damian Herz on Deep Brain Stimulation as a therapy for Parkinson's, and from Unit Deputy Director Peter Magill on the use of animals in Parkinson's research. Each of the talks was integrated with a lively discussion session in which the visitors' questions came thick and fast. After lunch on site with a group of the Unit's early-career scientists, visitors were offered a tour of the Unit's laboratories, led by members of the Magill and Sharott Groups, and given the opportunity to chat with scientists and see ongoing research for themselves. Those not attending the lab tours were treated to short presentations from Unit student Benoit Duchet on the use of computer models to optimise Deep Brain Simulation in Parkinson's, and from Unit Programme Leader David Dupret on the role of dopamine in memory, while highlighting the importance of the mutual exchange of ideas and discoveries made in the clinical and "basic" research fields. The visit concluded with refreshments, a final Q & A session, and a chance for the visitors to give their feedback to the Unit team. THIS ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITY WAS REPEATED IN 2018. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
URL | http://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/unit-hosts-parkinson%E2%80%99s-groups-during-mrc-festival-medical-r... |
Description | Hosted school pupils for work experience in the lab |
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 | Schools |
Results and Impact | My research team members and I hosted school pupils studying for their A-Levels. During their visit (one week), the students worked with all members of the team, and viewed every stage of a typical experiment in the lab. They gained 'hands on' experience with some anatomical and molecular approaches to studying brain function, and also received training in neuroscience concepts. Notable outcomes included: (1) very positive written feedback from the pupils; and (2) their increased enthusiasm to study for a degree in a biomedical subject at university. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Hosting Lord O'Shaughnessy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | I organised a site visit to the MRC Unit for Lord James O'Shaughnessy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, as part of The Royal Society's Pairing Scheme. The visit began with Unit Group Leaders Peter Brown, Peter Magill and Tim Denison highlighting why, how and where the Unit undertakes its cross-disciplinary research incorporating experimental neuroscience, clinical studies and bioengineering. This prompted some insightful discussion on the Unit's contribution to the UK's research and innovation landscape, as well as its alignment with government policy and strategy. Lord O'Shaughnessy then toured Unit facilities, and met with some of the Unit's early-career scientists who showcased the concepts and technologies underpinning their respective experiments. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/unit-hosts-lord-oshaughnessy-parliamentary-under-secretary-state-h... |
Description | Lab visit from laymembers of the charity Parkinson's UK. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
Results and Impact | Groups of laypersons (between 5 and 10), notably including people with Parkinson's disease and their carers, visited the lab each year, with much honest and informal dialogue. Notable outcomes included: (1) very positive written feedback from the charity; and (2) requests from some attendees for return visits to learn more about our research. Our visitors were enthusiastic to hear about (and see in action) neuroscience research at the bench, as well as the use of animals in Parkinson's research, and were very supportive of our work. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2015 |
Description | Participation in Parkinson's UK fundraising appeal |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
Results and Impact | One of my group's new research projects was chosen by the charity Parkinson's UK as a focus of its new fundraising appeal. As part of supporting the appeal, I hosted staff and lay members of Parkinson's UK for a visit to the Unit. I gave a tour of Unit labs and equipment, and was also interviewed by a lay member about the science underpinning the new project. Our new research project is featured in a video on the charity's website, as well being featured in hardcopy and digital newsletters sent out by the charity to its stakeholders. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/unit-research-showcased-parkinsons-uk-latest-fundraising-appeal |
Description | Participation in The Royal Society's Pairing Scheme in Westminster |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | I visited Westminster for a week of science and policy, as I began my participation in The Royal Society's Pairing Scheme. The Scheme, which takes place annually, pairs around 30 scientists with UK parliamentarians and civil servants, with a view to facilitating interactions and mutual understanding between researchers and policymakers. Over the 'Week in Westminster', I took part in workshops focused on the interface of science with policy, heard from expert speakers drawn from academia, learned societies and government, and spent two days shadowing my pair in government. I was paired with Lord James O'Shaughnessy, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health (Lords). I was invited to shadow Lord O'Shaughnessy and his team for many of their daily engagements at the Department of Health, the House of Lords and further afield, including policy briefings, strategy meetings, keynote speeches, and question time in the chamber of the upper house. I took away a fresh perspective on how research findings can help inform the creation, scrutiny and revision of policy, as well as a better understanding of how researchers can get involved in the process. Equally important, I discussed my research, and that of the wider MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit, with Lord O'Shaughnessy. A reciprocal visit to the MRC Unit is being planned. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/peter-magill-visits-westminster-week-science-and-policy |
Description | Participation in online outreach event "I'm A Scientist, Get me out of here!" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Dr Natalie Doig (a Post-Doctoral Researcher in my group) participate in I'm A Scientist, Get me out of here!, a free online outreach event where school pupils meet and interact with scientists. Over two weeks, Natalie answered questions submitted by school pupils, and engaged in live online text-based chats with them. Natalie represented the brain and wider nervous system, as part of the event's 'Organs Zone'. Following a competition format similar to the show 'X Factor', the pupils were the judges and voted for their favourite scientists. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/natalie-doig-helps-take-unit%E2%80%99s-outreach-programme-online |
Description | Podcast "Going Viral" |
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 | Together with a member of my research team, I was featured in a podcast, entitled "Going Viral", which was launched in September 2016 by the University of Oxford's Medical Sciences Division. The topic of the podcast is viruses - fighting them as well as harnessing them for use in science and medicine. I discussed how we are using modified viruses to map out the connections of specific types of brain cell in health and disease. Informal feedback was very positive. Download rates are currently being evaluated by University of Oxford. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/mrc-bndu-goes-viral |
Description | STEM placements for local school pupils |
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 | Schools |
Results and Impact | Over the summer, the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit hosted school pupils enrolled on an innovative work-experience placement scheme that was organised in partnership with the charity in2scienceUK. The placement scheme hosted at the Unit was a first for Oxford, and was tailored for pupils from local state-funded schools to support their progress into university degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). During their time in the Unit, the pupils worked alongside Unit scientists and received personalised mentoring to gain a wide variety of practical experiences and learn more about key concepts and challenges in neuroscience and medical research. In a series of integrated workshops with in2scienceUK, the pupils also received guidance on university applications, wider information about STEM careers, and training in transferable skills. The pupils recorded their experiences and progress in blogs and images. The feedback from the pupils was fantastic, indicating that the experience will have a lasting impact on their outlook and career choices. THIS ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITY WAS REPEATED IN 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2019,2022,2023 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/unit-hosts-school-pupils-fourth-year-stem-placement-scheme |
Description | Schools Open Day at MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit |
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 | Schools |
Results and Impact | Over 100 pupils and their teachers, from state-funded and private schools in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, took the opportunity to visit and learn more about science at the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit. During their visits, pupils in small groups talked informally to Unit members about key concepts and challenges in brain research, as well as what it is like being a scientist. Special emphasis was also placed on giving pupils the opportunity to try some 'hands on' science and to see real working instruments and laboratories for themselves. Activities were coordinated around different 'knowledge stations', at which pupils could experience some of the MRC Unit's core research themes, including human brain stimulation, computer modelling of brain function, microscopy in neuroscience, the neuronal networks of memory, the brain in health and Parkinson's disease, and the use of animals in research. The Schools Open Day was also attended by the local politicians (MP, Oxford City Councillors). The pupils were inquisitive and engaged, as evidenced by the barrage of questions! Written feedback from pupils and teachers (and members of the MRC Unit), was very positive. THIS ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITY WAS REPEATED IN 2017, 2018, 2022 AND AGAIN IN 2023. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2023 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/schools-open-day-2016 |
Description | Two Science Club sessions at local primary school |
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 | Unit Research Support Manager Ben Micklem visited St. Nicholas's Primary School in Oxford to run two hour-long afterschool Science Club sessions for children in Years 3 and 4 (7-9 years old). The first session focussed on memory, and a comparison between human memory and storage of data on a computer's hard disk. The children made their own brain cells from pipe cleaners, and learned about the 'listening arms' and 'sending arms' of nerve cells (that is, the dendrites and axons of neurons). They were also introduced to the idea that human memory is stored in the strengths of the connections between networks of brain cells, and the timing of those cells 'talking' is very important. Learning that the human brain contains billions of cells was another clear highlight for the children. Each child then contrasted the brain's method of storing information with a computer hard drive. They were each given a hard drive, which they opened themselves with Torx screwdrivers, to examine the platters and the read/write heads. They learned about the tracks of data around the disk, and the change in magnetic charge on the surface being created or read by the head to store binary data. Numbers again impressed them, with around 96 trillion patches of magnetic polarity, each one storing a 'bit', giving the largest hard drive 12 terabytes of storage. The second session covered the variation in brain shape and size across different species of vertebrates, and how the areas of the brain were enlarged and specialised depending on of the animals' behaviours and ecological niches. The children watched videos of some of the animals, then learned about the roles of different areas of the brain, and observed how they were different or conserved in fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, rodents, dogs and humans by examining the brain models that Ben brought in. The children then completed some fun worksheets with colour-coded regions of the brains to take home. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/ben-runs-two-science-club-sessions-local-primary-school |
Description | Visit to East Midlands Parkinson's Research Support Network |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
Results and Impact | I visited lay members of the East Midlands Parkinson's Research Support Network to participate in the organisation's 8th annual Forum held in Loughborough. I presented some of my latest research to an enthusiastic Forum audience of around 90 people with Parkinson's and their carers, families and friends. I focused my talk on some important discoveries arising from the use of animals in Parkinson's research. I then stayed on for a lively and engaging Q & A panel session at the end of day, fielding many insightful questions from the lay membership. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/peter-visits-lay-members-east-midlands-parkinsons-research-support... |
Description | Visit to Headington School, Oxford |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Dr Natalie Doig (a Post-Doctoral Researcher in my group) and I visited Headington School in Oxford to engage with a class of Fifth Form and Sixth Form pupils studying varied science-related subjects. I introduced some key concepts of brain organisation and function, why and how we study the brain, and the importance of using animals in medical research. I further highlighted research on the basal ganglia and its relevance for the understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease. Natalie then led a practical session in which the pupils observed a variety of nerve cell types and the Unit's archive brain collection for themselves. After the practical, Natalie talked about careers in neuroscience, highlighting the diverse professions that contribute to neuroscience as a whole, and gave an exciting account of the scope and value of 'citizen science'. Notable outcomes included: (1) a lively Q & A session with the pupils at the end of the visit; (2) an invitation from the school for another visit in 2016; and (3) requests from two of the attending pupils to do a work experience placement in my lab in summer 2015 (I hosted both pupils accordingly). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/visit-headington-school |
Description | Visit to New Hinksey Primary School, Oxford |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Dr Natalie Doig (a Post-Doctoral Researcher in my group) and Associate Unit Member Professor Paul Bolam visited a group of Year 3 pupils at New Hinksey C. of E. Primary School in central Oxford, to help them learn more about science, scientists, and how the brain works. Armed with a variety of eye-catching demonstration aids taken from the Unit's Public Engagement Toolbox, Natalie and Paul spent a morning with the children and their teachers. After introductions about what a scientist is and does, the children were guided through a series of activities that were designed to highlight how the brain works and what it is made of. The children compared plastic animal brains, built colourful pipe cleaner models of nerve cells, and were encouraged to don some rubber gloves and explore the Unit's brain tissue specimens for themselves. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Visit to St Andrew's Primary School, Oxford |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Dr Natalie Doig (a Post-Doctoral Researcher in my group) visited pupils at St Andrew's C. of E. Primary School in central Oxford, to help them learn more about science, scientists, and how the brain works. The visit was made in support of the state-funded school's inaugural STEM Festival, a deep-learning week created to deliver a variety of interactive experiences to each year group, including off-site and in-school activities, and opportunities to meet professionals working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Armed with a variety of eye-catching demonstration aids taken from the Unit's Public Engagement Toolbox, Natalie spent a morning with the 4 and 5 year-old children in the Rainbows and Sunflowers classes. After Natalie introduced what a scientist is and does, the children were guided through a series of games that were designed to highlight how the brain controls memory and movement. The children then compared plastic animal brains, and took turns at wearing the 'Brain Hat', with the goal of learning that different parts of different brains do different things. Natalie then helped the children to build colourful pipe cleaner models of nerve cells, eventually connecting the model nerve cells in long strings to 'pass messages'. At the end of the session, the children were encouraged to don some rubber gloves and explore the Unit's brain tissue specimens for themselves. The school teacher (K.F.) commented: "Many parents came to speak to me to report how excited their children had been when recounting the visit after school. The children mentioned what our brains are for and were especially excited at having touched a real brain." |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Visit to St Ebbe's Primary School, Oxford |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Post-Doctoral Researchers in my group visited Year 4 pupils and their teachers at St Ebbe's C. of E. (Aided) Primary School in central Oxford, to help them learn more about science, scientists, and how the brain works to control memory and movement. Pupils were first given a brief introduction to the work of the Medical Research Council and the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit. Pupils, teachers, my group staff then engaged in a range of hands-on activities that included looking at nerve cells under a microscope, reporting on observations by making model cells, measuring electrical activity from muscles to control a robotic claw, comparing the brains of different vertebrates, discovering different types of memories, and using a game version of a brain-machine interface. In all these activities, the guiding motto was "See - Do - Report", an approach devised by the Unit to mirror the "Concrete - Pictorial - Abstract" method that the pupils use in their maths classes. School teacher (G.A.) commented: "It was just so lovely to see everybody learning together - both children and adults. The whole approach was so inclusive that every child was challenged and felt they achieved. The whole morning was just brilliant - one that will be ingrained in their memories for many years to come." THIS ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITY WAS REPEATED IN 2018 and in 2019. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/unit-goes-out-local-primary-school-mrc-festival-medical-research |
Description | Visit to St. Nicholas' Primary School, Oxford |
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 | A team of Unit scientists, including postdoctoral researchers from my group, visited a local primary school, St. Nicholas' in Marston, as part of the Unit's continuing support of British Science Week and International Brain Awareness Week. On Wednesday 13th March, Flavie Torrecillos and Ben Micklem ran sessions for the two Reception classes. The sessions began with the 4- and 5-year-old pupils being guided through their exploration of a range of plastic models of vertebrate brains. The children were then shown the human brain model, and with a pupil volunteering to wear a 'brain hat' to illustrate the locations of different functional areas. Flavie and Ben then ran a live experiment to test whether the signals in Ben's muscles really were electrical, by using electrodes on the surface of his arm. The children were delighted to see that the tensing of muscles caused the robot claw to open 'on demand'. On Wednesday afternoon, Guy Yona and Ben visited the two Year 3 classes. They delivered interactive sessions designed to teach the 7- and 8-year-old pupils about how a computer's hard drive stores information. The children were given decommissioned hard drives to open up, and were guided through their examination of the platters as well as the arm with its read/write heads. This was then compared to the ways the brain stores information. The children were also taught about the different parts of brain cells, including their 'listening' dendrites and 'talking' axons. At the end of the sessions, the children were helped to make their own model brain cells using colourful pipe cleaners. On the afternoon of Friday 15th, Kouichi Nakamura and Ben ran a stall at the school's Science Fair. The Unit's collection of vertebrate brain models was on display, and pupils were challenged to match the photos of animals with their model brains. The robot claw, controlled by electrodes applied to the arm, was a big attraction, with queues of children wanting a turn. The opened hard drives, and pipe cleaner brain cells, were also on display, and children from all years of the school came to the stall and learned about information storage in computers vs. brains. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.mrcbndu.ox.ac.uk/news/science-outreach-st-nicholas-primary-school |