Event of the week
So you want to be a brain surgeon?
Dana Centre, 2 May, 7pm

The Dana Centre has a reputation for holding science evenings that do away with the traditional lecture format. An event on 2 May will continue that tradition. It will include a series of talks on the past, present and future of neurosurgery followed by a somewhat bizarre bit of practical work. According to the programme notes, ‘Some of the latest surgical technology and instruments will be demonstrated. Then it is your turn. And this is where the jelly and eggs come in.’ Participants can attempt ‘mock procedures’ on this very low-tech model of the brain, while professional neurosurgeons look on.

Meetings and conferences
The monthly meeting of the London Regenerative Medicine Network will take place on 30 April. Distinguished speakers include the President and CEO of Geron Corporation, Tom Okarma.

To mark ME Awareness Month, healthcare professionals and researchers will attend the ME/CFS Conference (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) on 1–2 May. Dr Ian Gibson MP will deliver the keynote speech, in his capacity as chair of the Parliamentary Inquiry into ME.

Seminars
Professor Edward Marcotte of the University of Texas at Austin will lecture on systems biology analysis of protein interaction networks at King’s College (Guy’s Campus) on 3 May.

On 30 April, Dr Bruno Averbeck will give a talk at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience entitled ‘Representation of communication stimuli in the prefrontal cortex’.

Evening events
On 2 May, Steve Austin of EADS Astrium will describe the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) satellite system. Data from GMES will support ‘the understanding of climate change and the impact of adaptation strategies as well as assisting disaster response and long-term development planning’. The UK Government is deciding whether to become a major funding partner. Hear the arguments at the British Interplanetary Society.

Johnny Ball must have been responsible for inspiring more than a few scientific careers. The energetic communicator has been enthusing young minds for decades through his broadcasts and lectures. Catch him at the Royal Society on 1 May.