First NeuroTrauma 2024 Conference held in Cambridge features 700 guests from 52 countries
The inaugural NeuroTrauma 2024 Conference hosted in Cambridge – the culmination of five years’ preparation – brought together hundreds of guests from around the world.
Held from 2 to 5 September, it featured 17 exhibitors and more than 60 keynote speakers from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America.
The week-long series organised for the 2024 meeting of the International Trauma Society (INTS) began with a football match on Parker’s Piece, as reported last week, which reflected on the impact of heading in the game.
Then, last Wednesday, more than 700 guests from 52 countries descended on the Corn Exchange for a symposium. Researchers, scientists, clinicians, coaches, players and others were joined by many local residents with their own reasons for learning more about sports-related head injury, and the steps that can prevent it.
Cambridge University Hospitals’ (CUH) consultant neurosurgeon and associate professor, Adel Helmy, who led the event, said: “It really was an incredible response. We want to sincerely thank all those who joined us, including those who spoke with such passion and knowledge.”
First on stage was Dawn Astle, the daughter of West Bromwich Albion and England striker Jeff Astle, who died after years of suffering with dementia, aged 59, in January 2002.
Dawn and her family launched the Jeff Astle Foundation in 2015 and told of their efforts to raise awareness of head injuries and the progress made with authorities.
Paralympian George Peasgood earned cheers after outlining his courageous fight back from a cycle crash in 2022, which left him in a coma for seven weeks and was followed by a protracted period of rehabilitation.
George was wearing different coloured trainers, as one of his feet is significantly smaller than the other following an accident with a ride-on lawnmower at the age of two, after which Addenbrooke’s surgeons battled to save his foot.
George, a double Paralympian in triathlon and cycling, said: “I’m a believer in making your own luck.”
CUH professor of neurosurgery, Peter Hutchinson, who is chief medical officer for the British Grand Prix, spoke about motorsport and how safety features introduced over the years continue to be incorporated into modern vehicles.
He spoke about the work of the 100-strong Silverstone Medical Team and its efforts to keep drivers and the huge crowds safe.
Prof Keith Stokes, from the Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport at the University of Bath, led a discussion on rugby, focused on ways to reduce the impact of tackles and ongoing research within the sport.
Other events, hosted by Cambridge University Hospitals and the University of Cambridge, were held at colleges and locations around the city.
Judith Sloane, head of Meet Cambridge, which helped win the bid to bring the conference to Cambridge, said: “We worked closely with the committee over our 12 site visits and meetings and were delighted to help secure just under £30,000 in funding via the VisitBritain Delegate Growth Fund for the conference.”
