22 October 2025 News
More than 1,600 people visited the MND Association’s stand at the New Scientist Festival in London last weekend to learn more about the progress being made in MND research.
New Scientist Live, which was open to the public and aimed at young people between 14 and 18, showcased the latest breakthroughs, innovations and discoveries in science and technology. The Association took part to encourage young people to consider science and research careers while also raising awareness of MND and MND research.
More than 25,000 people have visited New Scientist Live over the past three days. During this time we've had really positive engagement with people of all ages from school children through to grandparents. This includes people who've never heard of MND along with people who have been affected by the disease. Our presence has raised significant awareness and been a real positive for those who interacted with us. We have worked to inspire the next generation of MND researchers and showcased how different scientific careers, from engineering and technology to lab science, can be applied to MND.
Dr Nick Cole, Head of Research at the MND Association
As well as members of the Association’s team, researchers whose work is funded by the Association described life in a lab and their career journeys.
Visitors were invited to participate in activities such as a grip strength activity to showcase how it can become increasingly more difficult to move your muscles as the disease progresses. There was also an opportunity to experience eye gaze technology to see how people with MND can still communicate and how technology can support their ability to stay connected.
In addition to New Scientist Live, the Association hosts EnCouRage, an annual event specifically for early career MND researchers as part of our commitment to retaining talented scientists in the MND field.