The Pint of Science festival featured IRR researchers sharing their research at two engaging events on reproductive health, immunology, and brain development. Dr John Reynolds-Wright discussed the progress of male contraception, while Simran Kapoor explored the role of mast cells in immune responses. At the Monkey Barrel, Dr Rob Illingworth focused on epigenetics and brain development. Both events brought cutting-edge research to the public in an accessible and engaging way. Sex and Immunity: From Contraception to Cellular Secrets A packed audience at Levels Cafe enjoyed an evening of compelling research on reproductive health and immunology. Dr John Reynolds-Wright kicked off the event with a presentation titled "Male Contraception – Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?" As an IRR lecturer and clinician specialising in reproductive health, John took the audience through the history of male contraception, starting in the 1960s and tracing its evolution up to the present. He shared the latest updates on ongoing clinical trials of male contraceptives, discussed data on potential user uptake, and outlined the likely next steps for the future. Next, Simran Kapoor, a PhD student from Dr Rebecca Gentek’s lab, presented "Guardians of the Embryo: The Cells that Make You Sneeze." Simran began with a visual journey through Edinburgh’s cherry blossoms, puppies, and strawberries - revealing how our bodies have evolved modern allergies - before delving into her research on mast cells, a type of immune cell crucial for allergic reactions. She explained how these cells, which originate early in foetal development, may also play an essential role in tissue development. The evening ended with questions from the audience which sparked further conversation around both topics, diving deeper into both speakers’ current work. The Developing Mind: From Molecular Mechanisms to Meaningful ConnectionsMeanwhile, just a short walk away, the Monkey Barrel comedy club hosted an exploration into brain development, featuring Dr Rob Illingworth, IRR Group Leader, who delivered a talk titled "The Epigenetics of Building a Brain." Rob discussed how epigenetics—chemical modifications that control gene expression—guides brain development and how mutations that derail these processes can lead to neurodevelopmental conditions. Although we have a grasp of the genetic causes of these conditions, the molecular "how" remains unclear. Rob explained how his research aims to uncover these molecular mechanisms, with the hope of paving the way for targeted treatments for conditions caused by abnormal brain development. He emphasised the complexity of the brain, stating, "The brain is our most complex organ, and understanding how it works is key to treating the disorders that arise when its development goes wrong."Both events reflected the spirit of the Pint of Science festival: bringing cutting-edge research from the lab to the public in an engaging, accessible setting.Reynolds-Wright research groupSimran Kapoor from Gentek’s research groupIllingworth research groupPint of Science events Tags CRH CRM Publication date 20 May, 2025
