Fallona Family Interdisciplinary Science Award & Lecture

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You are invited to attend the Fallona Family Interdisciplinary Science Award & Lecture!          

Join Western Science for our annual celebration of interdisciplinary research – a morning of networking, student presentations and an important keynote address by Jörn Diedrichsen: Shining a Light into the Brain’s Basement: Using an Interdisciplinary Approach to Understand the Structure and Function of the Human Cerebellum. Light refreshments will be provided.

Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Time:10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Venue: Physics and Astronomy Building Room 100 | Live Stream 

Click to watch live stream button

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Jörn Diedrichsen

2023 Fallona Interdisciplinary Science Prize winner
Western Research Chair in Computational Neuroscience
Professor in the Departments of Computer Science and Statistical and Actuarial Sciences
Director of the Undergraduate Data Science programs

Jörn Diedrichsen’s research focuses on the development and application of modern data science techniques for the analysis of neuroscientific data such as human functional imaging, neuronal recording and behavioural data. He received his graduate degrees in Neuroscience and Statistics from UC Berkeley, and led the development of the Data Science program at Western University.

Abstract: Shining a Light into the Brain’s Basement: Using an Interdisciplinary Approach to Understand the Structure and Function of the Human Cerebellum

In the back of our brains resides a structure called the “little brain” – the cerebellum. Most textbooks still tell us that the main function of the cerebellum is motor control – however, research in evolutionary biology, neurology, and neuroimaging over the last 30 years has shown that the cerebellum is important for many cognitive and social functions. Furthermore, the cerebellum likely plays an essential role in brain development – and there is good evidence that cerebellar dysfunction is an important factor in disorders such as autism, dyslexia and schizophrenia. In his keynote address, Diedrichsen will highlight new fascinating findings that illustrate the important role of this long-neglected brain structure.

 

Student Presentations

Three Western Science students will have the opportunity to share their interdisciplinary research project. The best presenter will receive a prize of $500 to support their academic studies.

This opportunity is open to Undergraduate and Graduate students who are currently enrolled in a science program at Western University. Interested students are invited to send a 60-second video summarizing their research using lay language to science@uwo.ca  by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 17. The Dean’s office will reach out to those selected as presenters by December 22. You must be available on January 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to participate.

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This special event is a result of the generous support and vision of Western Science alumni Mary Catherine Fallona (BSc’61, MSc’65) and James Fallona (BSc’58, MSc’62).