Events Feb 09-11, 2019 Japan-UK Neuroscience Symposium 2019

The Japan-UK Neuroscience Symposium was held over 3 days, from the 9th until the 11th February 2019, at the Kazusa Akademia Hall in Kisarazu, Chiba, organised jointly by the UK Medical Research Council and AMED Division of Neurological, Psychiatric and Brain Research.

More than 60 participants, representing universities, research institutes and research funding agencies from Japan and the UK came together for the symposium, taking part in sessions on the ‘molecular basis of neurodegeneration’ and ‘cortical development and psychiatric disorders’ among others. During roundtable discussions, a lively debate was had around the topic of strategy and challenges relating to development of future Japan-UK joint research.

A poster session was also held with the support of the UK Embassy in Japan, showcasing the work of young Japanese and British researchers. The two best posters were selected by means of a vote, and the winners were awarded the opportunity to present their work to the whole symposium audience.

As an event held in accordance with the Memorandum of Cooperation signed by AMED and the MRC in February 2017, this symposium addressed new approaches to neuroscience and mental health challenges with the objective to lead to new collaboration among Japanese and UK researchers. This was the second Japan-UK neuroscience symposium, following on from the first event held in London in March 2018.

The next symposium is expected to be held in the UK in 2019, with the continued joint support of AMED and the MRC for the future advancement of Japan-UK neuroscience collaboration.