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EUNS E-Newsletter 24-25

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Message 15 April 2025EDINBURGH UNIVERSITYNEUROLOGICAL SOCIETY (EUNS)2024/25ELECTRONICNEWSLETTERDATE :PRESENTED BY :EUNS Committee 24/25

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03040824About EUNSMeat Our TeamOur Events Contact UsTable OfContent02EUNS 24/25

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About EUNSEdinburgh University Neurological Society (EUNS) was founded in 2010and has ever since attracted students with keen interest inneuroscience, neurology and neurosurgery. We work within five domains (Neurosurgery, Neuroscience, Neurology,Public Engagement, International conference) aimed at different groupsof people.Our AIMS:To promote interest in the nervous system in health and disease.To support students studying the neurological sciences by aidinglearning and career development. To promote an evidence-based approach to the study of theneurological sciences and assist the academic development ofstudents in the field.03EUNS 24/25

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MEET OURTEAM2024/25

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Adharsh Suraj PrasadPresidentRoshan PillaiVice PresidentWen Jun CheahSecretaryV Jaya Verman VishvanathanTreasurerJoelle LingMarketing CoordinatorZakariya VansohConference ChairMeet Our Executive Team 24/2505EUNS 24/25

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Aqif FarhanConference FinanceShuban KistareddyConference PublicityDrew McPhersonPre-Clinical CoordinatorSamuel LimNeurotheatre CoordinatorAliyah SattarEmilia ParsiNeuroanatomy Coordinator06EUNS 24/25Nicholas YipResearch LeadJames AspdenResearch LeadLinda HakajovaResearch LeadSaketh JampanaNeuroanatomy CoordinatorNeurotheatre CoordinatorMeet Our Committee Team 24/25

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Dr. SImmon MatthewsYsbyty Ystrad Fawr(Wales)Dr. Kyriacos EvangelouWil Hospital of Switzerland(Switzerland)Sirada KattinanonUniversity of Nottingham(England)Thanwa Chatmaleerat Jackson DoeUniversity of Bologna(Italy)07EUNS 24/25Chulabhorn International College ofMedicine (Thailand)Meet Our International Ambassadors24/25Krisada OoiIMU University (Malaysia)Theoklis KouyialisUniversity of Edinburgh(Cyprus)

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OUREVENTS2024/25

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WELCOME WEEK 2024While Welcome Week offers the first taste ofsociety life, the excitement doesn’t end there!On 27 November 2024, we join forces withEUACC, EUCVS and EUTOS to host a livelypub social. PINTS & PEERSThe EUSA Welcome Week, commencing 9thSeptember 2024, served as the official kickoffto our academic year. We welcomed freshersby showing them all the exciting societies theycould join, and gave them a sneak peek at theawesome events and ways to get involved thisyear!The week saw strong engagement through ourevents, laying the foundation for our currentmembership of 127 (including non-students), with numbers continuing to grow.We teamed up to help students connectacross specialties in a fun, casual setting—with great turnout from both new and returningmembers!EUACC: Edinburgh University Anaesthesia & Critical Care SocietyEUCVS: Edinburgh University Cardiovascular SocietyEUTOS: Edinburgh University Trauma and Orthopaedics SocietyDiscover, Connect, BelongThe Perfect Follow-Up to Welcome WeekKICKSTART & UNWIND09EUNS 24/25

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Specialist neurology trainee Dr. Angus Gane provided firsthandperspectives transitioning from medical school to specialty training,combining clinical neurology with PhD research (currently studyingepilepsy mechanisms), and navigating academic pathways (ECAT-ilectureship, research outputs). Attendees gained concrete adviceabout academic applications and specialty decision-making fromsomeone who recently navigated the process.ST7 neurology registrar Dr. Christopher Hutchcroft is currentlybased at the Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences andSalford Royal Hospital. He first outlined stage-specific guidance forthe neurology training pathway, then discussed how his Englishliterature background and publishing career influenced his clinicalwork, referencing his Practical Neurology publications. The talkculminated in key lessons for aspiring neurologists, emphasisinghow diverse interests can enrich medical practice.For our first talk, we were delighted to host Mr. SohamBandyopadhyay, an Academic Clinical Fellow in Neurosurgery, anOxford graduate, a former NANSIG chair, and a prolific researcher(154 publications). He offered valuable and transparent guidanceby walking attendees through his own application process, givingstudents rare insights into building a strong portfolio whilebalancing research, clinical training, and leadership roles.Neurosurgery Training10EUNS 24/25“How to Become"Talk SeriesThis series featured experts discussing clinical and academic neuro-related careers. firsthand experiences about clinical and academicneuroscience careers, covering training pathway, and researchopportunities. The talks attracted strong attendance across year groups,helping attendees explore different specialty options.Mr. Soham BandyopadhyayPathway to Neurology: Aspiration to ApplicationDr. Angus GaneNeurology Training: An Overview and a Personal JourneyDr. Christopher Hutchcroft

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SCRUBS TO LABSSHAPING TOMORROW’S LEADERSTogether, these initiatives strengthened ouracademic community by bridging theory andpractice, equipping students with bothknowledge and research experience that willshape their future careers in neuroscience. Through expert insights and hands-oncollaboration, we've cultivated a culture ofcuriosity and excellence that extends farbeyond the classroom.Beyond the talk series, members of EUNSpursued seven research projects through societyand consultant mentorship. The teamsresearched about paediatric epilepsy and gliomaneurosurgery. A major highlight was theNeusMENT-EUNS collaboration, which launchedfive systematic review projects addressing keyclinical questionsOn 7th November 2024, Dr. RuxandraSîrbulescu (Harvard Medical School) openedour Research Talk Series with hergroundbreaking work on immunotherapies fortraumatic brain injury, delivered via anengaging online session. Later that month onthe 25 of November 2024, we partnered withEUOS (Edinburgh University OncologySociety) to host Professor Paul Brennan(University of Edinburgh) for a neuro-oncologydeep dive, in which he shared surgicalinnovations for the management of glioma.thINNOVATION IN ACTIONThis year's research initiatives deliveredexceptional opportunities for studentengagement, spanning cutting-edge talks andcollaborative projects.11EUNS 24/25Research Events

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NEUROTHEATRE 20251 FEB 2025SPARK TOTouching Brains, Inspiring Minds: The Neurotheatre 2025 EffectThe EUNS Neurotheatre 2025 isan immersive event designed forpre-clinical medical and highschool students aged 16–18. Thisevent was held on 1 February2025 at Old College, Universityof Edinburgh. stThrough hands-on workshops,simulated surgical scenarios, andexpert-led talks, it provides a uniqueopportunity to explore neurosurgeryand medical careers, fosteringcuriosity and ambition. Close to 100 attendees engagedwith live demonstrations, fromsuturing to brain model dissections,while consultants and traineesshared career insights.EUSA Awards 2025Runner-Up for Event of the YearNEUROSURGEONThe event’s approachempowered students to step intothe role of a neurosurgeon,sparking unforgettable momentsof discovery.The event’s success was furtherrecognised with a runner-upaward for Event of the Year atthe prestigious EUSA Awards2025.

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BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (CPR)Queen Margaret University paramedicslead this hands-on CPR workshop, whereparticipants practice life-saving techniquesusing manikins and defibrillator trainers.NEUROANATOMYLECTUREThis medical student-led neuroanatomylecture covers brain anatomy fundamentals,common neurological conditions, andincludes an interactive quiz for engagement.13EUNS 24/25A hands-on workshop held in collaborationwith Edinburgh Student Surgical Society(ESSS) for medical students to practicesurgical knot-tying with clinical materials.SURGICAL KNOTTYING PRACTICEThis interactive workshop, led by Dr. Leigh Cui, guides students throughcranial nerve examination protocols withsupervised practice using medical tools.CRANIAL NERVEEXAMINATIONNeurotheatre 2025Workshops1 FEB 2025

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SCOTTISHINTERNATIONALNEUROLOGICALCONFERENCEBridging Minds7 - 8 March 2025TH TH(SINC)

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15SINC 2025Bridging Minds,Building Connections7-8 MARCH 2025 EDINBURGHNEUROLOGYWITHOUT BORDERSThe Scottish International NeurologicalConference (SINC) 2025 truly lived up to itstheme "Bridging Minds", bringing together aninspiring community of over 160 in-personattendees and nearly 120 online participantsfrom around the world for a two-day celebrationof innovation, collaboration, and excellence inneurology, neurosurgery, and neuroscience.2 Days, 1 VisionHeld in the heart of Edinburgh at 50George Square, the first day featured anelectric atmosphere of live workshops,networking, and world-class keynotetalks, while the second day offered aseamless transition to a global stage witha fully online experience, enabling evenwider engagement and participation.FROM SCOTLAND TOROUND THE WORLDSINC 2025: A GLOBAL SUMMITOF MINDSSINC 2025 marked asignificant milestone in theevolution of internationalstudent-led neurologicalconferences. With over 200delegates from across sixcontinents, the eventsuccessfully fostered globaldialogue, professionaldevelopment, and academicinspiration. The quality ofengagement, insightfulquestions, and dynamicexchanges betweenattendees underscored theappetite for continuedinternational collaboration inneurology, neurosurgery, andneuroscience.A CATALYST FOR FUTUREINNOVATIONFrom seasoned cliniciansand researchers to early-career students, participantsleft feeling inspired andempowered to contributemeaningfully to theneurological world. SINC 2025 not onlycelebrated the presentachievements of the field butalso laid the groundwork for amore connected, inclusive,and globally-minded future inneurology, neurosurgery, andneuroscience.15 captivating talksfrom world-leadingexperts7 in-person workshops10 online workshopsRaffle in support ofBrain Tumour CharityInternational delegatesfrom Thailand, Egypt,Latvia, Poland, Italy,and HungaryProudly supported bySBNS, BNA, ABN,and MDUAwarded 11.5 CPDpoints by the RoyalCollege of Surgeonsof EdinburghThis year’s SINCshowcased:

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16Best OralPresentationBest PosterPresentationMr. Henry Marsh’s book signing atSINC 2025 was a fan favourite,drawing an eager crowd to meet therenowned neurosurgeon andbestselling author of Do No Harm. Attendees engaged with Mr. Marsh,discussing his pioneering work andgaining insights into his personaljourney, making it one of theconference's most memorablemoments.Mr. Marsh’s thoughtful reflections onmedicine, ethics, and the humanexperience resonated deeply with allwho participated, making it one of themost memorable moments of theconference.A Crowd FavouriteSINC 2025 featured an outstanding lineup ofkeynote talks delivered by world-leadingexperts at the forefront of their fields.Professor Paul Brennan, Dr. RosieJackson, Professor Suvankar Pal, Mr.Henry Marsh, and Professor Tara Spires-Jones shared insights ranging fromneurosurgical innovation and Alzheimer’sresearch to clinical trial design andneurodegenerative disease pathology. A particular highlight was Mr. Henry Marsh’spowerful and personal reflection on the humanside of neurosurgery, which left a lastingimpression on all who attended. The event also raised funds for a BrainTumour Charity through a raffle, andrecognised exceptional student work, withGeorgia Ferguson winning Best OralPresentation and Best Poster Presentationawarded to Mr. Jack Mellon.WORLD-LEADING EXPERTSTAKE THE STAGE AT SINC 2025Pioneers in Practice

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17Workshop 1Workshop 3Workshop 2Workshop 4Neuronavigation & Magic LeapHeadsets by BrainLab ANDVirtual Reality Spinal Case byVRMISUnderstanding IntracranialPressure (ICP) Monitoring: AHands-On Introduction by B-BraunIntroduction to Burr Hole Drillingand EVD Placement: A Hands-On Approach by Delta SurgicalNavigating the Journey of BrainTumor Management: A PracticalApproach with Mr. Imran Liaquat

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18Workshop 5Workshop 7Workshop 6Tumour Resection Simulationusing Microsurgery with Mr. James LoanCranial Nerve Examination: AnInteractive Hands-On Workshopwith Dr. Neil WatsonIn the lab: What it's like to doacademic neuroscience researchwith Dr. Rosie JacksonRaffle in support of Brain Tumour CharityRaffle

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19LEARN HOW TO DO ITYOURSELFFree ResourceSINC 2025’s online day broughttogether experts from around theworld for a rich and engagingprogramme. Talks spanned fromneurosurgical training in low-resource settings and psychiatriceffects of neurological treatments, toadvances in cerebrovascularsurgery, cell therapy, and muscleassessment in neuromusculardisease. Inês Correia was awarded Best OnlineOral Presentation, rounding off a day filledwith learning, collaboration, and globalexchange.GLOBAL PERSPECTIVESONLINEA Powerful Finale toSINC 2025The virtual workshops offered valuablepractical insights, including 3 CV buildingworkshops, clinical case discussions, aswell as specialised sessions on peripheralnerve surgery, epilepsy, and neuroimaging. These sessions were designed to beinteractive and student-focused, allowingparticipants to ask questions, engage inclinical reasoning, and gain practical careerguidance. PRACTICAL WISDOM,DELIVERED DIGITALLYHighlights included contributionsfrom Dr. Michael Magoha, Dr.Intouch Sopchokchai, ProfessorJustin Moore, Dr Håkansson Dr.Wolfschlag, Professor PeterHutchinson, Dr. Seward Rutkove, Dr. Bob S. Carter, Dr. Galih RicciMuchamad, and Mr JothyKandasamy. Mr. AndreasDemetriades offered a timelyreflection on the future ofinternational collaboration inneuroscience.

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Online DayHighlightsVIRTUAL DAYIN ACTION

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Neuroanatomy 202518 & 20 MARCH 2025Brains On!This March 2025, EUNS hosted twointensive neuroanatomy sessionsdesigned specifically for 2 year medicalstudents, combining real prosections withexpert guidance. nd30 participants each session engagedwith six interactive stations, exploring theintricacies of brain and spinal cordstructures through the medical school’sanatomical specimens.The 1 session (18 Mar 2025) builtfoundational knowledge, while the 2 stnd(20 Mar 2025) delved deeper with tutorsproviding tailored support at every station. The event’s "see, touch, and learn"approach helped demystify complexneuroanatomy concepts ahead of exams.21EUNS 24/25

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DEMANDSMASTERING MED SCHOOL’SNEURO NUGGETS& OSCE DRIILSCovering core Year 2neurology topics, from strokeand multiple sclerosis toParkinson’s and functionalneuroanatomy. These sessions providedexam-focused insights intodiagnosis, management, andclinical applications. Theseries combined dedicatedteaching with case-baseddiscussions, reinforcingfoundational knowledge forupcoming assessments.This term, EUNS, EUCVS, andEUGS joined forces to deliver twokey initiatives supporting medicalstudents’ academic and clinicaldevelopment.These collaborations underscoredour societies’ shared commitmentto bridging classroom learning andreal-world clinical competence.2 and 4 year studentspracticed high-yield clinicalskills through structuredOSCE simulations. nd thYear 2 stations focused on practising examinations andexplanations, while Year 4tackled GP cases, specialtyscenarios, and A-Eassessments, all with timedtasks and personalisedfeedback.22EUNS 24/25Teaching EventsMock OSCE Practice Sessions24 - 28 Mar 2025Preclinical Neurology Teaching Series 26 Nov 24 – 4 Dec 24Like axons seeking synapses, ourcollective curiosity forged pathwaysbetween the pages of textbooksand the pulse of clinical practice.We were both cartographers andtravellers, mapping the intricateterrain of neurology throughlectures that dissected thoughtitself, then walking its windingroads in the OSCE chambers,where knowledge met nerve, andnerve met grace.

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When Edinburgh Meets LeedsThree Specialties, One Mission: A Paediatric Medicine ShowcaseHosted in collaboration with EdinburghUniversity Paediatrics Society (EUPS), thisevent offered a unique insight into diversepaediatric specialties, featuring three expertconsultants. Attendees gained firsthand careeradvice and clinical perspectives from Dr.Lindsay Ford (Paediatric Intensive Care) andDr. Mark Brougham (Paediatric Oncology) toDr. Kirsty Hogg (Paediatric Neuroscience).A productive partnership between EUNS andBrainLeeds Academy yielded two insightfulevents this term within our Specialties Series. First, Dr. Victoria Collins (Academic FY2,Edinburgh University alumni) exploredfunctional neurosurgery (27 Feb 2025),sharing her pioneering work on MRg-FUSthalamotomy and her main neurosurgicalinterests in neuro-oncology, paediatrics andfunctional neurosurgery. Then, Professor Richard Knight (Director,UK CJD Surveillance Unit) unpacked epilepsy-dementia overlaps (24 Mar 2025), drawingfrom his renowned prion disease research. Together, these sessions bridged surgicalinnovation and neurodegenerative frontiers,offering students unparalleled exposure toclinical neuroscience’s breadth, all whilestrengthening our cross-institutionalcollaboration.23EUNS 24/25Society Collaborations

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Thank You foran AmazingYear!THANK YOU!EUNS Instagram@edneurosochttp://www.euns.co.uk Edinburgh UniversityNeurological Society Contact Usedneurosoc@gmail.com@edneurosochttps://linktr.ee/edneurosocA heartfelt thank you toall EUNS members andsupporters. Yourdedication and supportmade the 2024/25academic year asuccess, and we couldn’thave done it without you!With gratitude, The EUNS Committee 2024/25