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  • Our research
    • Overview
    • Research Culture
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    • Research Groups
    • Facilities & Platforms
    • Tools & Software
    • Latest Discoveries
    • Animal Research
  • Study & Work
    • Why Join SWC?
    • PhD Programme
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    • Professional & Scientific Staff
    • How to Apply
    • All Vacancies
  • Sharing our science
    • News Releases
    • BrainGlobe Initiative
    • Newsletter
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    • Public Engagement
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Blog

From PhD to PI: a neuroscientist’s mission to map environmental stressors

After completing her PhD at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, Dr Egzona Morina has carved out a unique and inspiring career path that bridges neuroscience, environmental health, and community impact. In this Q&A, Egzona shares her journey – from navigating uncertainty post-PhD to founding a research incubator and developing innovative educational initiatives in Kosovo.

23 June 2025
Illustrations of PhD students, and the title 'SWC PhD Alumni - Where are they now?'
Blog

SWC awarded fifth LEAF Gold award for lab sustainability

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre has been awarded a fifth consecutive LEAF Gold award, recognising continued commitment to sustainable laboratory practices across its research community.

18 July 2025
A photo of the SWC rooftop wild flower meadow in bloom
Q&A

How single neurons broadcast novelty through the brain

Dr Dietmar Plenz, from the National Institute of Mental Health, recently spoke at SWC. He described his work that shows how even a single artificial spike in a cortical neuron can trigger widespread and meaningful responses across the surrounding network in awake mice. Despite the sparse and weak connections, these signals spread efficiently, even within the noisy and highly active environment of the brain. The key to this may be that the cortex operates in a critical state - a dynamic balance between order and chaos - allowing small events to have large effects.

3 July 2025
Photo of an avalanche, overlaid with the words 'SWC Speaker Series'.
Q&A

Mini microscopes: advances in two-photon imaging for neuroscience

In a recent SWC Seminar, Dr Weijian Zong, Group Leader at the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, presented his work developing new generations of miniature two-photon (2P) microscopes. These miniscopes offer resolution, field of view, speed, and z-scanning capability similar to that of 2P benchtop microscopes. In this interview, Dr Zong discusses the impact of these advances on neuroscience research.

30 June 2025
Photo of a miniscope being held between index finger and thumb with blue background and text overlaid on orange background "SWC Speaker Series"

Why join SWC?

Career development is personal, and it can look different for different people. As SWC expands there are lots of opportunities to become involved and carve out a meaningful career path with us. We’re proud to be a place where talent is recognised and developed.

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Events & Seminars

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9
Sep
12:00
-
12:00
Ground Floor Lecture Theatre
Dr Peyman Golshani, Neurology Brain Research Institute 
By:
Dr Peyman Golshani
Neurology Brain Research Institute 
View event
16
Oct
13:00
-
13:00
Ground Floor Lecture Theatre
Dr Carl Schoonover and Dr Andrew Fink
By:
Dr Carl Schoonover and Dr Andrew Fink
Allen Institute and Northwestern University
View event

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