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The Life of Brain: UEL expert reveals the mysteries of the brain to local community

Monday 28 February 2011

How do we begin to unravel the mysteries of an organ which is more complex than the most advanced computer on the planet? How can someone with amnesia carry out day-to-day activities which would be second-nature to someone without the condition? A principal lecturer at the University of East London’s School of Psychology believes he has the answers.

Dr Ashok Jansari will be tackling these questions head-on by hosting a cerebral evening dedicated to ‘the brain’ at the University of East London’s Stratford Campus.

Using examples from his own work, Dr Jansari will take be taking guests on a tour of the ‘history’ behind the brain, beginning in Ancient Egypt and arriving at modern-day neurology.

The public lecture, entitled ‘The Life of Brian (the Brain)’, forms part of International Brain Awareness Week and will address such complex concerns as brain damage and preserved abilities following trauma.

Such research is vital to our understanding of how a healthy brain functions and in developing rehabilitation methods, which put patients’ lives back on track.

Dr Jansari will also draw upon his fascinating experiences with his research patients. One example sees a patient, David, unable to recognise his wife’s face whilst still identifying the strips of premiership football teams.While Nicola, another of his patients, has been taught to use a handheld PC to remind her to take medication, in spite of her acute amnesia.

Following a reception, where attendees can learn more about the subject from specialist organisations, two of Dr Jansari’s research patients will take part in a panel discussion about living with brain damage.

Dr Jansari said of the event: “Brain Awareness Day is a great opportunity for us to show the local community the work we do, to demystify some of the workings of the brain, as well as the impact brain damage can have on people's lives and finally to give organisations that work in the field the opportunity to talk to the community about their work.”

This free, public event will take place on Wednesday 16 March, 6 – 9pm, in lecture theatre CC.1.01 at the University of East London’s Stratford Campus. For more information please contact Dr Jansari - a.jansari@uel.ac.uk

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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