Exploring asymmetry: School hosts 9th North Sea Laterality Conference
The 9th North Sea Laterality Conference, hosted by the School of Medicine from 21-23 August, was a resounding success. Professor of Neurogenetics and Genomics Silvia Paracchini was the lead organiser of the event, which attracted over 50 delegates from around the globe, including Canada, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and various European countries. The conference served as a platform for showcasing and discussing the latest research in the field of brain asymmetries, using diverse approaches and analyses of both humans and other species.
The conference was organised around thematic sessions that facilitated in-depth discussions among attendees. The relatively small size of the event, coupled with the relaxed and pleasant environment of the School of Medicine and the beautiful St Andrews scenery, fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and engagement. Participants had ample opportunities to share their research findings, ask questions, and exchange ideas, creating a vibrant dialogue that enriched the overall experience.
Each thematic session covered a variety of topics, allowing attendees to delve into specific areas of interest related to brain asymmetries. Engaging discussions followed each session, prompting participants to explore the implications of the research presented and consider future directions for their work. The speakers and chairs included researchers at all career stages, with strong representation from PhD students. A highlight of the conference was the final ceilidh, which followed a collegial closing dinner and epitomised the collaborative spirit of the event.
The final days of the conference included breakout sessions aimed at identifying collaborative projects and ideas that could sustain the momentum generated at the meeting. Some priorities identified included strategies for reaching consensus on definitions and methodologies and ways to effectively share and combine data for meaningful and well-powered analyses. Maintaining connections and communication beyond the conference will be crucial to paving the way for these collaborations before the next North Sea Laterality Conference, scheduled to take place in Sussex in 2026.