"The brain gives us everything. It provides the world to us. It creates our reality." Those were the words from Professor and TV-host Peter Lund Madsen in his opening speech at the MatchPoints Conference. This years theme is "Our Fascinating Brain" and over the next few days leading Danish and International researchers will showcase the newest findings in all aspects of brain research. Among the first speakers were Rector Brian Bech Nielsen, Professor and Head of the Organizing Committee Troels Steeling Jensen as well as keynote speaker Professor Ed Boyden from MIT.
Our Fascinating Brain is this years theme at the MatchPoints Conference.
A sold out MatchPoints filled the Per Kirkeby Auditorium with attendees.
”Understanding our brain is a crucial challenge” said Rector Brian Bech Nielsen in his opening speech, where he welcomed the Danish and international researchers attending the conference.
"The brain is a deeply fascinating organ and the fact that the conference has sold out shows its importance," said Annette Poulsen, Deputy Mayor Aarhus. She also thanked AU for promoting such important research.
"The brain is what makes us human beings. Without it no past, no present, no future. We have invited some of the best Danish and International researchers. They will discuss all aspects of the brain during the 16 workshops and hopefully enlighten us on the newest research," said Professor and Head of the Organizing Committee Troels Staehelin Jensen in a speech where he also expressed the hope that the conference will contribute to promote collaboration between universities.
The brain is literally on the table at this year's MatchPoints.
Journalist and TV-host Jacob Rosenkrands moderates MatchPoints.
"I first realized the brain would become my destiny after an exam I failed very badly. I went home and studied and began to understand the brain and one day I realized that it is the most interesting topic in the world," brain researcher and tv-host Peter Lund Madsen started the conference with a glimpse into his fascination with the brain.
In an opening session moderator Jacob Rosenkrands and researcher Peter Lund Madsen discussed the four tracks of the conference and why the brain is so fascinating no matter your field of research.
Keynote Speaker Professor Ed Boyden from MIT presented his research showing how expanding polymers can be used to enlarge and enhance brain tissue, giving researchers the ability to see details microscopes cannot catch.
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