This month, 750 UK DRI researchers, technicians and professional services staff travelled to Manchester for our largest annual conference yet. Connectome 2025 took place over three busy days packed with exciting scientific talks, poster sessions and networking opportunities. Here, we share some photo highlights from the event.
Listening to those with lived experience
This year we had two special sessions in the programme, where attendees heard directly from people living with neurodegenerative conditions. Journalist Rory Cellan-Jones, who lives with Parkinson's, took part in an insightful fireside chat, sharing his experience of Parkinson's diagnosis and treatment, and his advocacy work campaigning for better care for others affected by the condition.
Charles Sabine, journalist and founder of the Hidden No More Foundation, gave an emotive talk at the end of the conference about how Huntington's has affected him and his family, what led him to set up Hidden No More, and the impact his advocacy work campaigning for better awareness of Huntington's has made across the world.
Keynote speakers
Each day of the conference had a fantastic keynote talk from a renowned expert. Prof Malcolm Macleod (University of Edinburgh) discussed research integrity, Prof Erin Schuman (Max Planck Institute for Brain Research) presented her research into the processes that control protein synthesis and degradation in neurons and their synapses, and Prof Christian Haas (Ludwig Maximillian University & DZNE) discussed whether modulating microglia could be an effective therapeutic strategy in Alzheimer's.
There was also a special guest talk from Prof Stéphanie Debette, Director of the Paris Brain Institute, one of our CURE-ND partner institutes, on how collaboration across Europe is key to tackling the urgent global challenge of neurodegeneration.
Introducing our CVDR Group Leaders
New Group Leaders Dr Rikesh Rajani, Prof Catherine Hall, Prof Susanne van Veluw and Dr Mootaz Salman took part in a special session to introduce their work as part of the newly launched BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research, chaired by Centre Director Prof David Attwell.
Science, science and more science
Throughout the conference there were many parallel scientific sessions, focused on topics such as data, risk, models, sleep, and new therapies. Researchers at all levels from across the institute presented their work and took part in Q&A discussions.
Posters and networking
Throughout the conference, there were over 250 posters being presented, and ample time for attendees to network and form new connections. Returning for 2025, the SkillsXchange offered the opportunity to learn about platforms available to support UK DRI research, as well as other key areas for upskilling, such as how to engage the public with research.
Demonstrating impact in the clinic
This year, we heard from three UK DRI Group Leaders about the impact their work is making in the clinic. Prof Jon Schott discussed his work with the 1946 cohort, Prof Suvankar Pal presented progress in MND-SMART, the UK DRI's flagship motor neuron disease trial, and Prof Sarah Tabrizi gave an overview of the remarkable developments her team have made in Huntington's gene therapies this year.
Around Connectome
Around the conference there were games and activities designed to help attendees relax and connect with one another. We also heard a moving surprise performance from the Greater Manchester Singing for the Brain choir.
Celebrating our community
Our annual Recognition Prizes were awarded throughout the conference, in categories such as mentorship, innovation, engagement, discovery, and more. View the full list of recipients here.
