Nipissing unveiling the future
How would you like a freshly engineered brain? Or perhaps you are more interested in a new way to fix your failing vision with stem cells or alter someone’s behaviour with sex hormones. This isn’t science fiction or fantasy; its all possible and you can learn more on Thursday night when Nipissing University faculty and alumni present a glimpse 25 years into the future.
Nipissing University is hosting NU2042 as part of its 25th anniversary this year. The event features five researchers giving short, five-minute presentations about how the world might be changed by their research in the next 25 years.
Here is the lineup of speakers, and the title of their talk:
- Dr. Jeff Kleim: Engineering New Brains
- Dr. Phil Nickerson: The future of stem cell therapy in the eye
- Dr. Andrew Weeks: Nice to meet you, can I see your connectome?
- Dr. Michael Jones: Why industry cares about modelling your brain and how it works
- Dr. Justin Carré: Sex hormones and behaviour: the future
"In terms of stem cell research, I think the 25 year mark will be a threshold where we start to move from the theoretical side of research to actually making things happen,” said Nickerson, senior research associate at the Krembil Research Institute Toronto Western Hospital. “Cell-based medicine has tremendous potential to actually cure disease, instead of simply treating symptoms. However, we need to be rational, there are a lot of steps to take and we need to be pragmatic.”
NU2042 takes place on Thursday July 27, from 7-9 p.m. at The Grande Event Centre on Main Street in North Bay.
The event is free of charge and all are welcome to attend.
“As a university, our goal is to make the world a better place, through education and research as well as community leadership. Our faculty are engaged in some amazing work that will unquestionably impact the future and NU2042 gives them an opportunity to share ideas, hopes, fears and dreams with our community,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, president and vice-chancellor.
Future NU2042 events will take place at the same time and location on September 24, October 18, November 9, and December 7.