BNA Festive Symposium 2025: Neuroscience in Action, From Synapse to Society

The BNA Festive Symposium once again united leading neuroscientists, clinicians, industry partners, and students for a day of insight, discussion, and celebration. Held on 9th December at the stunning Level39, One Canada Square in Canary Wharf, the event offered breathtaking views of the London skyline and a programme that explored the delivery of neuroscience from molecular breakthroughs to societal impact. 

BNA President Professor Narender Ramnani welcomed delegates and framed the core questions underpinning this year’s theme:

• How do we deliver treatments effectively and equitably?
• What does it mean to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients?
• How can real-world impact for neurological and psychiatric conditions be improved?

His remarks set the tone for a day focused on connecting disciplines, bridging discovery and application, and linking science with society - encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative thinking.

Session 1: Delivering at the Molecular Level

The opening keynote, ‘Delivering Genes to the Brain’, delivered by Professor Chris Shaw, showcased cutting-edge gene therapies at AviadoBio for ALS and FTD. He highlighted the scientific, logistical, and regulatory challenges of translating laboratory breakthroughs into clinical treatments, with particular emphasis on navigating the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

 

 

Dr Paul Sharp (Medicines Discovery Catapult) followed with CNS Drug Delivery Challenges, outlining gaps in predictive models for CNS drug development and the need for cross-sector collaboration to overcome delivery failures.

Professor Simon Ward closed the session with a discussion on What Makes a Target Deliverable?, emphasising both scientific and systemic barriers, including funding limitations and fragmentation in mental health research.

 

 

Delegates then enjoyed a networking lunch with spectacular views, offering time for informal discussion and collaboration. BNA members benefited from exclusive discounted registration for the Festive Symposium, while still enjoying the full scientific and networking experience. 

Photo of BNA Members including: Callum Cottrell, Fiyinfoluwa Akinnawonu, Isabel Turner, Ryan Cunningham, Fiona Chan, Neha K and Kirsten Chan.

Prize Giving Ceremony

The Symposium celebrated outstanding neuroscience achievements through the annual BNA Prizes:

• Undergraduate Prize 2025: Jaya Sharma
• Postgraduate Prize 2025: Ieva Andrulyte
• Public Engagement Prize 2025: Liverpool Neuroscience Group
• Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience Prize 2025: Professor Sarah Tabrizi

Session 2: Delivering in the Clinic

Professor Sarah Tabrizi opened the afternoon session, captivating the audience with her prize lecture: Developing Genetic Therapies for Huntington’s Disease, presenting new insights into disease pathogenesis and emerging therapies targeting HTT DNA, RNA, and protein.

 

 

Dr Maria Beatrice Panico followed with Delivering Safe and Effective Neurological Therapies, discussing administration routes, CNS penetration, and regulatory challenges.

Whose Job is it to Deliver? A lively panel discussion featured Maria Panico, Sarah Tabrizi, Paul Sharp, and David Thomas highlighted that effective delivery requires a coordinated ecosystem across research, clinical translation, industry, funding, regulation, and policy.

 

Sharing Your Research: Publishing with Brain and Neuroscience Advances

Dr Kate Baker, Co-Editor-in-Chief of the BNA’s society journal, Brain and Neuroscience Advances, gave an engaging talk on the many ways delegates can publish their work. She highlighted the journal’s open-access model, rapid and high-quality peer review, and supportive, open-minded editorial board, making it an excellent platform for disseminating research to the neuroscience community.

Kate encouraged delegates to consider submitting original research, commentaries, and reviews, and shared strategies for leveraging the journal to reach both BNA members and a wider scientific audience. The session emphasized the journal as a valuable tool for early-career and established researchers alike, supporting visibility, impact, and community engagement in neuroscience.

Session 3: Delivering for Society

David Thomas (Alzheimer’s Research UK) delivered a powerful talk, When the Science Is Progressing, but the System Isn’t, addressing systemic barriers faced by dementia patients. He highlighted that while scientific advances are rapid, real societal impact depends on urgent reforms within the NHS.

 

Closing Remarks & Networking Reception

Professor Ramnani closed the Symposium by thanking speakers, delegates, and the venue team, and highlighting upcoming BNA events. Delegates were encouraged to join the BNA community to access free events and participate in a vibrant national neuroscience network.

Mairi Dillon offered thanks on behalf of Canary Wharf Life Sciences Group and Kadans Science Partner, reflecting on the importance of fostering innovation, collaboration, and scientific advancement.

 

 

The day concluded with a festive drinks reception, providing a final opportunity for networking and celebration.

The Festive Symposium 2025 was a sold-out success, showcasing the strength, diversity, and collaborative spirit of the neuroscience community. From molecular therapies to national healthcare policy, the event highlighted both breakthroughs and challenges, underlining that real-world impact in neuroscience requires collective effort.

Tip for delegates: BNA events are highly popular - register early to secure your place for future symposia and workshops.