Dr. Muñoz Maniega inspires next generation of scientists

Dr. Susana Muñoz Maniega, Research Fellow, engaged young students at Whitehill Junior School by demystifying magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and challenging them with quizzes featuring MRI images of various objects.

Our very own Research Fellow, Dr Susana Muñoz Maniega, recently spoke at a ‘Meet the Scientist’ day at Whitehill Junior School. Dr Muñoz Maniega explained how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) works and challenged the children with quizzes featuring MRI images of fruit, veg and chocolate bars.  

One of the highlights of the event was Dr. Muñoz Maniega's discussion of her research using the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (LBC1936), a longitudinal study of cognitive, brain and general ageing. Using LBC1936, Dr. Muñoz Maniega and her colleagues try to understand how our brain and thinking skills change throughout life, and why some brains age better than others.   

“The children, age 11 themselves, were very engaged hearing about the Scottish Mental Surveys done by children their same age in Scotland >75 years ago and the research in cognition we do in Edinburgh now, combining these tests with MRI and other data. I presented some images and videos with our findings about how the brain looks like as we get older and provided some practical tips on maintaining our brains healthy and active.” 

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Muñoz Maniega expressed her delight at the curiosity and enthusiasm shown by the young attendees. "There was a lot of curiosity and enthusiasm for science among these young potential scientists," she remarked, emphasising the importance of fostering a passion for STEM from an early age. 

The Row Fogo Centre for Research into Ageing and the Brain is dedicated to helping the public understand the complexities of small vessel disease. Public engagement can not only inspire young minds to pursue careers in STEM field but fosters trust between scientists and the communities they serve.  

To learn more about the Row Fogo Centre’s public engagement activities, please click here. If you want to fund or donate to further our public engagement activities, click here.