Brain Day:A better understanding of the brain

An afternoon dedicated to the Bochum neurosciences with lectures, information and hands-on activities

From basic research to therapy – visitors to Brain Day will get to know the most complex human organ from a whole new perspective: On 14 September 2022, everything will revolve around the brain at the SFB 874 at the RUB.

From the power of neurotransmitters, to traumatic memory traces, to deep into virtual reality – Brain Day guests can expect a colourful programme of lectures and hands-on activities on current topics from the neurosciences between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. – live and in presence in the Conference Center of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (in the Mensa building).

Participation in the event is free of charge. Registration is requested at sfb874-pr@rub.de or by telephone on 0234 32-26603 (Monday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 2.00 pm).

Powerful neurotransmitters, sensory connections and traumatic memory traces

In the first lecture of the day, Prof. Dr. Martin Tegenthoff from the Neurological University Clinic and Polyclinic at the BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil deals with the topic of “Post-Covid”. Afterwards, Prof. Dr. Olivia Masseck from the Department of “Biology/Chemistry” at the University of Bremen will talk about the power of neurotransmitters and explain how hormones shape our memory, using serotonin as an example.

In the afternoon, Prof. Dr. Nikolai Axmacher from the Department of Neuropsychology at the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience of the Faculty of Psychology at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum will report on new findings on traumatic memory traces in the brain. In particular, the topic of post-traumatic stress disorder will be brought into focus. The programme will conclude with a lecture by Prof. Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan, spokesperson of SFB 874 and head of the Department of Neurophysiology at the Medical Faculty of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, on the topic of “Why smells shape our memories” and will take all Brain Day visitors on an exciting journey from the olfactory bulb to the limbic system.

After the Brain Day, the speeches of our four speakers will be available as podcasts in our media library (in German), where you can also find all recordings from previous Brain Days.

Neuroscience to touch and try out

Between the lectures there will be a varied supporting programme where all visitors are invited to talk to the neuroscientists at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Why does chilli burn and why is mint cold? How do stress hormones influence our memories? And why are we able to classify unknown objects into meaningful groups? These are just three of the countless questions about man’s most complex organ that will be answered at the information stands this year.

Microscopes, exhibits and diagrams are ready to be explored and tried out: The staff of the Institute of Anatomy, Department of Cytology, provide fascinating insights into structures such as the hippocampus, cerebellum or pituitary gland.

Things get active in halls 3 and 4 of the Event Centre: very real in the hands-on course of the sports scientists or with 3D video glasses and motion sensors in the virtual reality of the Department of Neurotechnology.

In Hall 1, self-help groups offer a wide range of information. On site at this year’s Brain Day: Alzheimer Gesellschaft Bochum, Autismus-Therapie-Zentrum Dortmund/Hagen, Der Paritätische/ Selbsthilfe-Kontaktstelle Bochum, Gesichtsfeldausfall-Selbsthilfegruppe Niederrhein as well as the self-help groups “Leben mit Schädelhirntrauma“, “Epilepsie Essen“ and “Schlaganfall Ratingen“.

First-hand information and impressions

The Brain Day is organised by the Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 874, which has been researching sensory perception and memory formation at the RUB since 2010. The aim is to make the exciting work of Bochum’s neuroscientists tangible for the interested public. “We invite everyone to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of neuroscience and learn first-hand about the exciting research projects being worked on here in Bochum,” says Prof. Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan, spokesperson for SFB 874.

Further information and a detailed programme can be found here.