2025/03/20

CIC bioGUNE participates in the Brain Week, a space to learn and reflect upon neuroscience

From March 10th to 14th, Bizkaia Aretoa hosted the Brain Week, a scientific outreach event organized by various entities.

The event brought the science of the brain closer to the public, combining education, art, and entertainment.

From March 10th to 14th, Bizkaia Aretoa hosted Brain Week 2025, a global scientific outreach initiative dedicated to making neuroscience accessible to all. Organized through extensive collaboration among scientific and educational entities, the event brought together leading neuroscientists, researchers, and the general public in a celebration of brain science.

With a diverse program of informative talks, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive activities, Brain Week aimed to raise awareness about brain health and the latest advances in neuroscience. This year's edition in Bilbao explored a wide range of topics, from neurological disorders and cognitive development to cutting-edge research techniques, blending science, art, and entertainment to engage audiences of all ages.

On March 11th, Dr. Joaquín Castilla, Ikerbasque research professor and principal investigator of the prion research group at CIC bioGUNE, member of BRTA, delivered an insightful presentation titled "Prion Diseases: Fatal Familial Insomnia as a Paradigm." Specializing in prion diseases, Dr. Castilla explored Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI), an extremely rare hereditary condition that combines severe sleep disturbances with progressive and fatal neurodegeneration.

His talk covered how this disease affects the nervous system, recent advancements in its diagnosis, and innovative research strategies, from genetic identification to the potential application of gene therapies. He also addressed the historical, clinical, and social aspects of FFI, placing particular emphasis on cases recorded in the Basque Country, underscoring the importance of regional genetic research and specialized care for affected families.

"Understanding the mechanisms behind Fatal Familial Insomnia gives us crucial insights into how prion diseases develop and progress," explained Dr. Castilla. "At CIC bioGUNE, we're developing innovative approaches that could eventually lead to better diagnostic tools and potential therapeutic interventions for these currently incurable conditions." His presentation was part of a broader program featuring specialized talks aimed at adult audiences, reinforcing the significance of ongoing research in this challenging field.

Additionally, attendees were able to enjoy the "Neurocosmos: Exploring the Universe of the Brain" exhibition, a visual experience that blended art and science, designed to showcase the complexity and beauty of the human brain. This exhibition was also linked to research work being carried out at various centers to unravel the mysteries of the brain and advance our understanding of its functions.

Brain Week was a unique opportunity to discover the science behind our minds, learn about the latest advancements in neuroscience, and enjoy an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family. This event solidified itself as a key platform for sharing the most recent research in the field, offering attendees the chance to reflect on the impact of science on brain health and its relevance in everyday life.

The event was made possible through the collaboration of multiple institutions, including the University of the Basque Country, CIC bioGUNE, Dana Foundation, Federation of European Neuroscience Societies, Achucarro, Biobizkaia, Bioguipuzkoa, La Vaca Pinta Artistic Workshop, AFA Bizkaia, APNABI Autism Bizkaia, Leica Microsystems, and Euskampus. The event also received sponsorship from the Spanish Society of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country, Fisher Scientific, Proquinorte, ERA-NET Neuron, SARSTEDT, and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities.

About CIC bioGUNE
The Centre for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA), located in the Bizkaia Technology Park, is a biomedical research organisation conducting cutting-edge research at the interface between structural, chemical, molecular and cell biology, with a particular focus on generating knowledge on the molecular bases of disease, for use in the development of new diagnostic methods and advanced therapies.

About Ikerbasque
Ikerbasque - Basque Foundation for Science - is the result of an initiative of the Department of Education of the Basque Government that aims to reinforce the commitment to scientific research by attracting, recovering and consolidating excellent researchers from all over the world. Currently, it is a consolidated organization that has over 350 researchers/s, who develop their work in all fields of knowledge.

About BRTA
BRTA is an alliance of 4 collaborative research centres (CIC bioGUNE, CIC nanoGUNE, CIC biomaGUNE y CIC energiGUNE) and 13 technology centres (Azterlan, Azti, Ceit, Cidetec, Gaiker, Ideko, Ikerlan, Leartiker, Lortek, Neiker, Tecnalia, Tekniker y Vicomtech) with the main objective of developing advanced technological solutions for the Basque corporate fabric.

With the support of the Basque Government, the SPRI Group and the Provincial Councils of the three territories, the alliance seeks to promote collaboration between the research centres, strengthen the conditions to generate and transfer knowledge to companies, contributing to their competitiveness and outspreading the Basque scientific-technological capacity abroad.

BRTA has a workforce of over 4,000 professionals, executes 22% of the Basque Country's R&D investment, registers an annual turnover of more than 300 million euros and generates 100 European and international patents per year.

Spanish version