Florey Talks | Brains and Beyond: Environmental Influences on Brain Health

Join us in-person or online for our next Florey Talk, 'Brains and Beyond: Environmental Influences on Brain Health'.

How do modern environmental influences such as manufactured chemicals and nutrition influence brain health?

Join leading researchers for an engaging discussion exploring how everyday environmental exposures may affect brain development, neurological health and wellbeing.

Associate Professor Wolfgang Marx will examine how nutrition and dietary patterns may affect mental health. Drawing on the latest scientific evidence, he will discuss the impacts of ultra-processed foods and the important role nutrition may play in supporting healthy brain function across the lifespan.

Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby will discuss emerging research examining how exposure during pregnancy to common chemicals found in plastics may influence children's brain development, including attention, learning and autism-related outcomes. She will also explore broader environmental influences on neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

The lecture will also feature insights from Dr Bryony McNeill, who will share lived-experience perspectives on neurodevelopmental conditions and offer reflections on what scientific advances mean for individuals and families in their everyday life.

Don't miss this compelling event, where leading researchers will share valuable insights into the environmental and lifestyle factors influencing brain health and neurodevelopment.

Meet the Speakers 

Associate Professor Wolfgang (Wolf) Marx

Associate Professor Wolf Marx is Deputy Director of Deakin University's Food & Mood Centre and a globally recognised leader in nutritional psychiatry. His research examines how diet and nutrition influence brain health, with a particular focus on the impact of dietary patterns and ultra-processed foods. His work has been published in leading international journals and has contributed to clinical guidelines and public health recommendations worldwide.

Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby 

Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby is Head of the Early Brain Science Program and the Neuroepidemiology Research Group at The Florey. She is an internationally recognised epidemiologist and public health physician whose research explores how environmental factors, including chemicals, nutrition and early-life exposure, can influence brain development and neurological health. Her work has helped shape public health policy and prevention strategies in Australia and around the world. 

Dr Bryony McNeill  

Dr Bryony McNeill is a developmental biologist and Senior Lecturer in Medical Physiology at Deakin University. Her research focuses on understanding how early-life biological and environmental factors shape neurodevelopment, drawing on her expertise in placental and developmental biology. Bryony is committed to neuroaffirming and participatory research practices and coordinates lived-experience involvement in studies exploring the origins of neurodevelopmental diversity. Working in partnership with neurodivergent people and their families, she supports research that is shaped by community priorities to generate knowledge that is scientifically rigorous and meaningful to neurodivergent communities. 

The lecture will conclude with light refreshments and networking, providing an opportunity to continue the conversation with fellow attendees and speakers.

Everyone who has registered will be sent the live streaming link by Wednesday 19th August at 5:00pm. Whether in person or virtual, everyone will be sent the recording of the event after the session. If you are unable to attend in person, please cancel your ticket so we have accurate numbers for catering.

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