AWCBR 2026

We recently had the absolute joy of attending (and presenting at) AWCBR in Ōtautahi Christchurch! 

Associate Professor Olivia Harrison organised the Neuroimaging Symposium at AWCBR, which brought together neuroimaging researchers from across Aotearoa - there were kōrero about different techniques and disciplines, and how we might answer clinical questions. 

Ella McLeod (PhD candidate, IMAGE Otago UoO) presented preliminary perceptual and neuroimaging findings from the Breathing and Anxiety study - including our preliminary results from the exercise and anti-anxiety medication interventions. It is so exciting to be starting the analysis of this project! Ben Bristow (UoA/Mātai, co-supervision PhD candidate of Associate Professor Olivia Harrison) also presented findings from the Mātai methamphetamine programme on brain connectivity and white-matter changes. 

To echo the words from Mātai, there’s something really special about the neuroimaging community in Aotearoa, and seeing so much of it come together was just brilliant! (so was putting faces to names!). Kā mihi nui Simon O’Carroll and Kyla Horne for bringing AWCBR together, and to the Neurological Foundation for their support in attending this conference.