18 April 2007
Keio University
Four leading researchers from Japan and the UK meet in London to present:
“Frontiers of Neuroscience” Major advancements in medical research and their applications
Keio University, University College London (UCL), and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), London Office will host the Keio University 150th Anniversary International Symposium, “Frontiers of Neuroscience”. Four leading scholars specialising in neuroscience will present their cutting-edge research and discuss its potential for curing today’s most devastating injuries and diseases of the brain. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on April 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at UCL’s Cruciform Lecture Theatre 2, Gower Street, London, UK.
Two island countries, two universities, four scientists and an office
Two universities, on two island countries at either end of the Eurasian continent, have played a leading role in the liberalisation of science and education from their respective beginnings, in 1826 (UCL) and 1858 (Keio), that continues today. Four pioneering scientists, two from each university, will gather on the UCL campus for an international symposium exploring issues surrounding ground-breaking advancements in neuroscience and related topics relevant to our current, fast-changing society. In addition to promoting collaboration between the three participating organizations and celebrating the 150th anniversary of Keio University, the event will commemorate the launch of the Keio University London Office, established in alliance with JSPS.
Frontiers of Neuroscience – Opportunities for better understanding ourselves –
Keio University’s Prof Hideyuki Okano is a specialist in damaged Central Nervous System (CNS) regeneration. His current research is breaking new ground in adult neurogenesis (birth of new neuronal cells) and brain damage repair, and may open up a number of possibilities including therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injuries and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. He will discuss both the principles of regeneration and his research group’s latest findings. Prof Masato Yasui, also from Keio University, specialises in a class of integral membrane proteins known as aquaporin, which functions as a channel for transporting water through biological cell membranes. Aquaporin is a recent discovery, and has led to a series of studies into its relation to a wide range of human diseases. Prof Yasui’s interest is in aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a particular type of aquaporin that is predominantly expressed in mammalian brains. On the basis of precedent findings, including its involvement in brain edema formation, he will discuss potential connections between AQP4 and mental disorders such as bipolar diseases.
Participating scientists from UCL are prominent authorities on the fundamentals of brain function. Prof Richard Frackowiak, a specialist in brain plasticity and recovery from injury, is conducting pioneering research that is serving to clarify the relationship between the brain’s functions and its physical structure. His lecture will focus on brain organisation as observed using advanced imaging technologies and methods. Prof Semir Zeki’s research focuses on the relationship between vision, art and the brain. He has lectured on the subject worldwide and is the founder of the Institute of Neuroesthetics. His insightful and careful analyses suggest that visual consciousness is distributed in both time and space. Prof Zeki will discuss the nature of visual consciousnesses in his lecture.
The symposium will begin with a welcome from Prof Yuichiro Anzai, president of Keio University and an eminent cognitive scientist, followed by the four lectures and a panel discussion. It will conclude with a reception at 6 p.m.
Members of the press are invited to attend the symposium, which is free and open to the public. Interview requests can be forwarded to press contact Juli Morizawa (Ms) or Akiko Kurata (Ms).
For more information and to register, visit http://keio150.jp/english/events/2007/20070427e.html or email [email protected].
General Inquiries: Yuko Sakuma (Ms)
International Programme Coordinator, Keio University London Office, UK
Email: [email protected] Tel: (020) 7629 3577 Fax: (020) 7629 3588
Media Inquiries: Juli Morizawa (Ms), Akiko Kurata (Ms)
Office of Communications and Public Relations, Keio University, Japan
Email: [email protected] Tel: +81-3-5427-1541 Fax: +81-3-5441-7640
