Brain Health in Women Workshop

Women are disproportionately affected by dementia, yet we still know too little about how sex, hormones, life-course factors and inequalities shape brain health. Join Health of Women Scotland in Edinburgh for an interactive day exploring the evidence and building new collaborations.

Health of Women Scotland (HoWS) is a new collaborative initiative bringing together researchers, clinicians, third sector organisations and policymakers to strengthen women’s health research across Scotland. This is its first workshop, and it focuses on the impact of dementia on women.

Around 100 participants will look at current evidence and emerging approaches across three themes: dementia prevention, prediction and early detection, and disease mechanisms. Morning talks come from leading experts, including Professor Anna Glasier (Scottish Government Women’s Health Champion), Professor Tara Spires-Jones and Professor Giles Hardingham (UK DRI at the University of Edinburgh), Professor Craig Ritchie and Dr Sarah Gregory (Scottish Brain Sciences), and Professor Miguel Bernabeu (Usher Institute). Topics range from AI and retinal imaging for early detection to astrocyte–neuron interactions and menopause, hormones and the brain, with a session on the funding landscape for collaborative grants.

The afternoon is hands-on. You will join one of three interdisciplinary breakout groups (prevention, prediction and early detection, or mechanisms) to identify a priority research question, sketch a hypothesis and methodology, and explore a potential funding route, before a plenary, next steps and a networking reception.

When

Monday 19th October – 10:00 to 18:00 (registration and coffee from 10:00; networking reception from 17:00)

Where

Playfair Library Hall, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL

Who Should Attend

Researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, third sector organisations, policymakers, funders and early career researchers with an interest in women’s health, brain health, dementia and neurodegeneration. Expertise from neuroscience, reproductive and hormonal health, epidemiology, data science, prevention, clinical practice, public health or policy is all welcome.

Cost

Places are limited. The registration fee is £10 per person, paid through the University of Edinburgh ePay system, and your place is confirmed once payment is received. Full details are on the registration page.

Organiser

Organised by Health of Women Scotland (HoWS).

Register