The Advanced Neurotherapies Centre attended with BrainLab, whose neurosurgery activity allowed attendees to plot the target for the Huntington’s gene therapy through 3D mapping software and an augmented reality headset. 

The activity showed the complexity and difficulty of the application of gene therapies to the brain and put into perspective the achievement of the recent success of Huntington’s treatment. Our activity engaged the attention of attendees, speakers, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Suzanne Rankin and even got the seal of approval from our director and neurosurgeon Professor William Gray. 

Jo-Ann Baker, centre manager at the Advanced Neurotherapies Centre, said:

“It was great to attend the conference this year. It was lovely to connect with so many people who were enthused about our recent success in delivering the gene therapy as part of the successful HD clinical trial. Attendees really enjoyed trying neurosurgery themselves at the ANTC stand –our new engagement activity with Brainlab was a real hit!”

The theme of technology in research was further explored at the conference in a series of talks on the use of AI in research while other talks emphasised the importance having robust research at the heart of policy and strategy in Wales, a theme which continues to strengthen the connections between research and Welsh Government.  
 
Poetry, posters, and plants made the conference a creative and innovative day, and we were pleased to celebrate a decade of Welsh collaboration and research with so many inspiring speakers and organisations. 

Watch the full Health and Care Research Wales introductory video.