Using art inspired by cutting edge research, the series begins with a free public exhibition The Art of the Brain, by Bath-based artist, Stephen Magrath.

Stephen Magrath has been working with researchers at the University of Bath’s Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology to create a “sci-art” exhibition. These colourful, touching and even humorous paintings, drawings and installations are the artist's response to what he has discovered about the workings of the brain and how dysfunction is manifested in depression, drug addiction and Alzheimer's disease.

To inform his work, Stephen has visited the University over the last year to discuss the latest developments in brain research with scientists Dr Sarah Bailey, Dr Chris Bailey, Professor Steve Husbands, Professor Roland Jones and Dr Denise Taylor.

Dr Sarah Bailey, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy & Pharmacology said: “This project is a whole new approach for us in trying to share our research with the public. It is exciting to use art to showcase the brain research being done at the University and to prompt people’s thinking about this important area of research; we hope that it will increase awareness of the cutting-edge research that is taking place in our city.”

A private viewing will be held on Thursday 6 March between 6pm and 8pm, with the exhibition open to the public from 6-25 March (Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm) at Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution in Bath city centre.

The cerebral theme continues with a free public lecture at 7.30pm on Tuesday 11 March entitled: Looking at the brain: Brain scans and brain waves. In this talk Professor Roland Jones will explain how recent research into the working of the brain can be used to develop new drug treatments.

Professor Jones’ lecture takes place during Brain Awareness Week (BAW) a global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research.

To coincide with Bath’s annual hands-on science event, Bath Taps Into Science, on Saturday 22 March there will also be a Brainwave workshop giving young children the chance to meet and work with scientists from the University.

Dr Bailey added: “The Brainwave workshop will have fun hands-on activities and experiments so that kids can learn more about how their brains work.”

All events take place at the Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Society, 16 Queen Square, Bath. For more information go to http://www.brlsi.org.

For further information about brain research at the University of Bath go to http://www.bath.ac.uk/research/news/2014/03/07/dissecting-brain-related-issues/

For further information about Stephen Magrath go to http://www.stephenmagrath.co.uk/