We are delighted to announce that the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit has won Understanding Animal Research’s 2018 Openness Award in Public Engagement Activity.

The Openness Awards were launched in 2014 by Understanding Animal Research to celebrate the achievements of the sector in honouring their commitment to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research. The Awards seek to recognise those individuals and collectives who have championed openness on animal research over the years, and those who continue to do so.

Drawing on nominations from across the UK, this year’s Awards showcased many excellent examples of advocacy. The Unit’s Award citation noted its exemplary track record in public engagement, highlighting in particular the Unit’s work with people affected by Parkinson’s. Unit Deputy Director Professor Peter Magill and Associate Unit Member Professor Paul Bolam received the Award on behalf of all Unit members at a ceremony held yesterday in London.

Peter commented: “The use of animals is vitally important for the Unit’s innovative science, and we are committed to communicating - in an open and transparent way - exactly when, how and why we use animals in brain research. Most of the activities in our thriving Outreach programme provide opportunities for the public to learn more about and discuss research using animals. For the Unit’s work to be recognised in this way is hugely gratifying for our all members.”

You can learn more about the Unit’s award on the University of Oxford’s News webpage.