Emerging Research Day 2026

2 July 2026

The MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Restorative Neural Dynamics held its first annual Emerging Research Day on 2nd July 2026 at the Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford.

The event brought together researchers and stakeholders from across the Centre’s component research organisations, and from industry and charity partners to share emerging findings, exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration. With presentations and poster sessions spanning fundamental neuroscience, human studies, computational approaches and neurotechnology, the day showcased the breadth of expertise that has been assembled to tackle the MRC CoRE’s Challenge.

A keynote lecture from Professor Andrea Kühn of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (and a member of the MRC CoRE’s Independent Strategic Advisory Board) reflected on the development of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease, from fundamental insights into abnormal brain rhythms to adaptive therapies that respond to ongoing brain activity. Her talk provided a fitting perspective on the Centre’s ambition to build on these advances and develop the next generation of more precise, responsive and effective neurotechnologies.

The scientific programme concluded with Kuhan Pushparatnam, a member of the MRC CoRE’s Patient and Public Advisory Group and host of “2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson’s Podcast” offering insights into his personal journey with Parkinson’s Disease.

Image
a large group of people in a modern building, on a curved staircase
Individuals from across the MRC CoRE come together for the first Emerging Research Day.
Image
a person in the audience holds a microphone
Discussion and exchange of ideas were at the heart of the first MRC CoRE Emerging Research Day.
Image
a presenter in front of slides, uses a laser pointer
Professor Andrea Kühn shares historic perspectives on the development of closed-loop DBS, and looks to the future of adaptive DBS
Image
A person addresses the audience
Kuhan Pushparatnam shares his personal journey with Parkinson’s, bringing a valuable lived experience perspective.
Image
A researcher presents to the audience
Dr Bethany Dennis (Newcastle University) presents her research on precision control of cortical circuits across species.
Image
people standing around poster boards, discussing the posters
Researchers share emerging findings and exchange ideas during the y poster sessions.
Image
a lecture theatre full of people
Sumedha Nalluru (University of Oxford) presents her research on the brain mechanisms underlying memory and false associations.