Program Overview

Visceral Mind: Functional Neuroanatomy Summer School

Course Overview

The Visceral Mind: Functional Neuroanatomy Summer School is a 5-day residential course designed for postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in cognitive neuroscience and related fields, as well as clinical, medical, and allied health professionals. The course offers a unique blend of lectures, patient case conferences, hands-on practical sessions, and dissection labs using human brain tissue.

Course Faculty

The course is led by distinguished scientists from Bangor and across Europe, including:

• Oliver Turnbull, Professor of Neuropsychology
• Richard J. Binney, Reader in Neuropsychology
• Martyn Bracewell, Bangor University
• Rudi Coetzer, Bangor University
• Paul Downing, Bangor University
• Stephanie Forkel, Donders Institute
• Tirso Gonzalez Alam, Bangor University
• Kami Koldewyn, Bangor University
• Nils Muhlert, Manchester University
• Sophie Perry, North Wales Brain Injury Service
• Cathryn Roberts, North Wales Brain Injury Service
• Michel Thiebaut de Schotten, L'Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière
• Guillaume Thierry, Bangor University
• Alan Watson, Cardiff University

Course Content

The course integrates functional neuroanatomy with real-world clinical case studies. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of brain function and pathology through:

• Patient case conferences
• Hands-on brain anatomy sessions
• Lectures and presentations on topics such as:
  • Illustrating the Brain: learning anatomy via drawing classes
  • The brain in 3D: making the link between neuroimaging and tissue prosections
  • The visual system, the social brain, the limbic system, basal ganglia, the brain stem, and more
  • Anatomy of white matter and tractography
  • The skull, meninges, and vasculature

Course Cost

The registration fee includes:

• 6 nights accommodation (B&B) in ensuite rooms at Bangor University
• Course & bench fees including all lectures, patient interviews, and practical classes
• Lunch and refreshments
• Conference dinner and evening entertainment
• North Wales Excursion The cost is £1045, including accommodation, or £845, excluding accommodation.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the following criteria to be eligible for this functional neuroanatomy course:

• Postgraduate, postdoctoral, and early career researchers studying cognitive neuroscience and related disciplines
• Clinical, medical, and allied health practitioners with membership of an overseeing professional or statutory body

Application

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Visceral Mind Summer School. The closing date for applications is May 15, 2026. A CV, a statement of motivation, and some personal details are required.