Institute of Genetic Medicine and the Faculty of Medical Sciences would like to invite members of the general public to attend a science packed day centred around the rare diseases and genetic research. Full program will be available shortly.

To register, please click here.

A new exciting initiative is being launched between the Faculties of Humanities and Medicine, to explore health-based narratives in books and film and to promote empathy and creativity in medical education. Come and join them for a week of film screenings and discussion that explores how movies and books can enrich our understanding of what it means to be human and how collaboration with the arts and humanities can broaden medical education.

Tickets are free to the members of University staff and to students. For more details and to register, please check: https://allevents.in/newcastle%20upon%20tyne/milan-film-festival/1511163225806308#

Sci-Screen is a programme of films being shown at Tyneside Cinema, shedding insights into the science behind popular film plots. The project was originally organised by Ideas Take Flight, Newcastle University’s regional campaign for gathering ideas, thoughts and questions from the public in order to help shape the British Science Festival 2013.

Each screening includes introductions to and discussions on relevant scientific ideas, delivered by the lecturer, scientist or researcher who selected that particular film.

The 2015 season of SciScreen will kick off with “The Diving Bell And The Butterfly” screening on 25th January 2015. The movie deals tells a story of a victim of a locked-in syndrome and will feature a talk from Dr Neil Archibald, a consultant neurologist, who will be discussing locked-in-syndrome which affected the main character.

For details and to book your tickets, please visit: https://www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/whats-on/films/view/sci-screen-the-diving-bell-and-the-butterfly

(from Newcastle University press office)

Newcastle University has announced the launch of the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre to support its world-leading research in the field.

Housing a team of 80 experts, led by Professors Kate Bushby, Volker Straub and Hanns Lochmüller, the research carried out in the Centre will focus on three key areas: the development of translational research, innovative clinical trials and international networking.

Professor Kate Bushby, Action Research Chair of Neuromuscular Genetics Newcastle University and co-ordinator of the European Joint Action on Rare Diseases, said: “One of the great strengths at the new research centre is the collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, both within the team and with other leading experts around the world. Genetic neuromuscular disease includes some very rare conditions and it is through establishing these partnerships that the biggest strides towards improving diagnosis, care and treatment for patients can be made.”

Professor Hanns Lochmüller adds: “The launch of the Centre represents more than 50 years of excellence in muscular dystrophy research and care at Newcastle University and in the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. As a leader in shaping the European muscle disease landscape, the Centre represents the cutting edge of research and is at the forefront of innovative therapy development.“

The Centre is being named in honour of former Dean of Medicine and distinguished neurologist, Lord John Walton. Along with Professor of Medicine Fred Nattrass in 1954 John Walton published a keynote paper in Brain on the differential diagnosis of muscular dystrophies. They were the first to combine detailed clinical and genetic data and were instrumental in early developments that led to the formation of the Muscular Dystrophy Group as an independent charity.

Professor Volker Straub comments: “We are delighted to recognise Lord Walton’s enormous contribution to the field of muscle disease research and patient care in the naming of our research centre and pleased that he is able to join us in the science, discussions and celebrations at the launch event.”

Professors Bushby, Lochmüller and Straub lead the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre and hold joint appointments between Newcastle University and the NHS. With over 115 publications in the last three years, their time is split between research and clinical commitments, both of which focus on neuromuscular disease, and they provide leadership across the Centre.

Prof Michael Briggs and Dr Michael Wright from the IGM helped sponsor and organise the 1st Newcastle Achondroplasia Symposium on 21-22 September, which saw members of The Restricted Growth Association, Child Growth Foundation, The Dwarf  Sports Association, The Little People of Ireland, Little People UK and Short Stature Scotland come together and agree to support clinicians who wish to improve the quality of healthcare services available to all people of restricted growth in the UK and Ireland.

Hundreds of people all over the country will be moving an extra special mile between 23 and 31 August to raise funds for vital research and support for families affected by muscle-wasting conditions. To join the exciting initiative, the IGM are busy organising a Charity Sports Day to be held from 11:30am on Friday 29thAugust in Times Square, Centre for Life.