Ms. Katie Turk recently presented her research at the FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona. The FENS (Federation of European Neuroscience Societies) forum is the largest of its kind in Europe.
Katie’s research is investigating the impact that extracts from the fungus Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) have on neurogenesis using a neuroblastoma model. Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries to manage cognitive decline. With her supervisor Dr. Tim Craig, Katie is investigating what impacts, if any, this may have on neuronal differentiation and marker expression.
Here is what Katie had to say about her time at the conference:
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2026, held in Barcelona from the 6th till the10th July. As Europe’s largest neuroscience conference, the Forum only takes place every two years, and this year’s event was the biggest yet, bringing together more than 8,000 neuroscientists from over 80 countries.
The conference opened with a vibrant ceremony celebrating Spanish culture through traditional dance, alongside inspiring speeches from the FENS leadership – with the important reminder to “ask questions to encourage, not to intimidate” fostering supportive scientific discussion.
With neurodegenerative disease representing one of the greatest global health challenges, and as someone working in this field, it was inspiring to see the scale, diversity and momentum of research taking place across the world. The programme was packed with outstanding talks spanning every discipline of neuroscience. Highlights included plenary lectures from Guillermina López-Bendito, Yukiko Goda and Holly Ingraham, among many others.
The poster sessions were equally memorable there was such a positive atmosphere, with researchers at every career stage sharing ideas, asking thoughtful questions and offering constructive feedback. Some of the most valuable moments of the week came from these conversations, which gave me new perspectives on my own work.
Beyond the science, the Forum also celebrated neuroscience’s rich history and its connection with the arts, an exhibition honouring Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist Santiago Ramόn y Cajal, created in collaboration with the design studio La Casa de Carlota, combined art and science through interactive installations, including a collaborative brain network drawing activity and a gallery inspired by Cajal’s iconic illustrations.
Congratulations to Katie on her presentation and for discovering the immense social and cultural value of conference participation.