Professor Boltze Lecture

We were very fortunate to have Professor Boltze join us from Warwick University to deliver a fascinating talk for our Year 12 and 13 biologists, titled “The Ageing Brain.”

Several excellent questions were asked during the lecture, and many students stayed behind afterwards to continue the discussion — a clear reflection of their curiosity and enthusiasm. It was wonderful to see such a high level of engagement and interest from our students.

The talk focused on how the structure of the brain changes over time, exploring how imaging and animal studies allow scientists to investigate brain function and develop potential treatments. It linked closely to Topic 1 and Topic 8 of the specification, while also extending students’ knowledge beyond the curriculum to consider real-world applications — including how hypertension affects brain regions and the risk factors involved.

Professor Boltze also encouraged thoughtful discussion on the ethical considerations surrounding animal testing and patient consent, challenging students to reflect on how these issues influence scientific research.

I hope the lecture gave our students a taste of the kind of academic discussions they may encounter at university and inspired some to consider neuroscience as a potential career path.

A huge thank you once again to Professor Boltze for tailoring the lecture to our students’ needs and for making the journey to speak with us.

Mrs Bennett