Pictured (l-r) is Dr. Niamh Connolly and Dr Gary Brennan (Physiology & Medical Physics) who were organisers of the second biannual Neuroscience Ireland Young Neuroscientist Symposium, which took place at Trinity College Dublin on 2nd September. The event was organised by Postdoctoral fellows and PhD students from Universities around Ireland and the committee was chaired by Gary Brennan (Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI) and Jack Prenderville (Transpharmation, TCD). The one day symposium was designed to provide a platform for young neuroscientists in Ireland to showcase their latest research and provide networking opportunities to promote collaboration and enterprise. The event was opened by Prof David Henshall (RCSI, President Neuroscience Ireland) and the Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Enterprise, TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor who gave an empowering address emphasising the Governments commitment to the development of a Smart Economy and the role researchers will play in its continued development.
As well as talks from PhD and postdoctoral fellows, the day featured three keynote speakers, Professor Alon Chen (Director of Institute of Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute), Dr. Dara Cannon (Director NiCog, NUI Galway) and Dr. Lee Dawson (Head of CNS research, Astex Pharmaceuticals). A key focus of the day was career development. To facilitate this event also featured an interactive career panel which included representatives from both academia and industry.