How important is our gut microbiome and could it hold the key to new treatments for a range of different diseases? How does the gut-brain axis influence our behaviour and will poo transplants become a regular procedure on the NHS? Join our panel of experts as they discuss the secrets of our ‘second brain’ – the gut. From major advances in research to the difference between prebiotics andprobiotics.

Panel:

Prof Glenn Gibson: Emeritus Professor of Food Microbiology at the University of Reading

Prof Lindsay Hall: Chair of Microbiome Research at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Microbiology and Infection

Prof Jatin Nagpal: Researcher at University College Cork’s APC Microbiome Ireland Centre

Prof Sheena Cruickshank: Immunologist and Professor in Public Engagement and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester

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Our biological sex affects every cell in our body, so how does it influence our health - from embryo development through to the risk of disease and diagnosis? How and why do some conditions affect females and males differently? And what can we do to ensure medicine is safe and effective for everyone, after decades of male biology bias?

Across autoimmune disorders, cancer, dementia, heart disease and even responses to everyday medications, sex‑based biological differences can shape who becomes ill, how symptoms appear and what treatments work.

Join our expert panel as they explore sex differences in biology, hormones and gene regulation.

Panel:

Prof Edith Heard, CEO of the Francis Crick Institute

Natasha Karp, Biostatistician at Astra Zeneca

Prof Petter Brodin, Garfield Weston chair of Neonatology and Professor of Paediatric Immunology, Imperial College, London

Caroline Criado Perez, Author of Invisible Women

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Why do people become addicted? When does a habit turn into self harm and what makes recovery so hard? From drugs and alcohol to gambling and social media, join our panel of experts as they explore the causes of addiction, what it looks like in the brain and potential new treatments, including psychedelic therapies.

Panel:

Prof Sally Marlow: Professor of Public Understanding of Mental Health at KCL

Matt Willis: Musician/actor and podcaster in recovery from addictions

Dr Nicky Kalk: Psychiatrist and addiction specialist at Maudsley NHS Trust

Prof David Nutt: Director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Imperial College, London

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