'Making Memories', organised by NDCN postdocs and Somerville Fulford Junior Research Fellows Andrea Kusec and Giuseppe Gava, was centred on the concept of memory, how memory is defined, and how memory is measured both at the behavioural and neural level. The event consisted of an interactive, child-friendly “Memory Zone” where attendees could learn about the brain and memory through creative ways, as well as two lay audience talks on psychological (Dr Kusec) and biological (Dr Gava) aspects of memory in humans and animals.
70 parents and children came to Somerville College for the pilot event, on 30 October 2024 to engage with tables focused on “Unusual Brains” like the famous patients H.M. and Phineas Gage, a demonstration of neuropsychological assessments, models of the human brain vs monkey, cat, and mouse brains (and some brains in jars!), and videos on live recordings from special microscopes on neural activity in monkey brains on screen.
The event also engaged the attendees’ creative side with crafting activities such as making Play-Doh brains and cut-out brain hats, and colouring in neurons and key brain structures. They were encouraged to draw what they believe memory to be on a “Memory Wall” to curate public perceptions of memory. The event was supported by Somerville College and Medical Science Division undergraduate volunteers (Anna Wang, Beth Waterfield, Gauri Narendran, Oliver Eyre, Tabitha Butler) all of whom had positive first experiences of public engagement.
Since the successful pilot, Andrea and Giuseppe have pared-down “taster” versions of this event in partnership with the Somerville College Access and Outreach team to secondary school students, as well as a full repeat of the Making Memories event held on 10 June 2025 with St Frideswide primary school students, again supported by a team of volunteers (Gauri Narendran, Scarlet Pleasance, Sophia Tan, and Ruoqi Tang).
Dr Kusec said “It was amazing that there were so many people interested in learning about memory, both in animals, humans, and in health and disease. Once attendees showed up, they didn’t really want to leave. One child also told us that, before this event, she thought the brain was just used for maths, and now she knows differently!”
Dr Gava added “It was a joy to see the excitement of the undergraduate volunteers that helped to set up and run the event. Getting a feel for public engagement has been a valuable experience for them.”
Following the pilot and repeat of the 'Making Memories' event, the team have received interest from several community organisations, including local primary schools, and Oxford Hub, a charity aimed at tackling social inequalities including access to education. There are already plans to re-conduct this event in the upcoming academic year, including “taster” versions and full-scale repeats with the Ideas Festival once more.
'Making Memories' was held in collaboration with Claire Cockcroft at Somerville and the Oxford Festival of Ideas and Science, funded by the NDCN Public Engagement Fund.