Brilliant brain researchers at Fieldays: Sharing knowledge with our rural community 

World-famous neuroscientist Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull (Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Rāhiri), brilliant concussion researcher Dr Helen Murray and renowned neuropharmacologist Associate Professor Deborah Young - all from the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research - will share their knowledge at different times across three days. 

Other neuro-researchers from the University of Auckland and the University of Otago will also be on the stand during Fieldays. 

The Neurological Foundation’s chief executive, Rich Easton, says this is a great opportunity for the rural community to access evidence-based information directly from people at the cutting edge of neurological research. 

“We’re spreading the message of brain health for the third year in a row at Fieldays,” Rich says. “We know that those living in rural communities are very interested in reducing risks prevalent in rural lifestyles, so these researchers will be sharing the most up-to-date information at our stand. 

“These incredible researchers are available to chat to Fieldays attendees because they really value the rich, deep face-to-face conversations that occur,” he says. 

“Sir Richard is a living legend of neuroscience. Dr Murray is recognised as a leading expert on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which has been in the news lately linked to sporting injuries and is of huge interest to many people. 

“Associate Professor Young is doing amazing work developing an antibody therapy to treat Huntington’s disease. She is also national coordinator of The Brain Bee Challenge, which introduces Year 11 students to the exciting world of brain research and hopefully inspires them to pursue a neuroscience-related career. 

“If you drop by Brainspace, you might be able to spend a few minutes with an exceptional researcher. You’ll also be able to chat with one of our friendly staff and pick up some information about top tips for brain health.” 

BrainSpace is a collaboration between the Neurological Foundation, The University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research and the University of Otago’s Brain Health Research Centre. 

The timetable is: 

Sir Richard will attend on the morning of Wednesday, June 12th, along with Meikyla Mason (Ngāpuhi) & Zahra Cherrington-Irving (Ngāpuhi) from the University of Auckland, and Samantha Cook & Alexander Matthews from the University of Otago. 

Dr Helen Murray, Dr Molly Swanson, Chelsie Osterman and Danica Hamlin from the University of Auckland, and Samantha Cook & Alexander Matthews from the University of Otago, will attend on Thursday, June 13th. 

Dr Deborah Young & Stanley Cardon, and Samantha Cook & Alexander Matthews from the University of Otago, will attend on Friday, June 14th. 

Dr Ruth Monk, University of Auckland, and Samantha Cook & Alexander Matthews from the University of Otago, will be on site on Saturday, June 15th.