Inclusivity at BNA2025

Inclusivity at BNA2025: Embracing All Minds

At BNA2025, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. We believe in the importance of fostering a space where everyone feels valued, supported, and comfortable. Here are some of the key initiatives we’ve put in place to ensure a truly inclusive experience for all delegates.

Wellbeing at BNA2025

In partnership with The Queen's Reading Room, we are excited to introduce our Reading Zone, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the event. The Reading Zone will feature a live Queen’s Reading Room pop-up, where you can unwind, catch up on research, or simply reflect on the day’s learnings. Dive into books specially recommended by HM Queen Camilla and discover the positive impact that reading can have on your wellbeing. After the event, all books from the Reading Zone will be donated to the local charity, The Brain Food Café.

Children at BNA2025

We understand that family responsibilities shouldn’t be a barrier to participation. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated Family Room for those attending with children. This quiet space allows supervised children to play, while parents and guardians can relax knowing their little ones are nearby. Additionally, we provide a private Nursing Room, designed for feeding babies or providing quiet care, ensuring that all parents have a comfortable and welcoming space.

Neurodiversity and Sensory Processing

We recognize that large crowds and spaces can be overwhelming for some delegates. Our plenary sessions and public lecture will take place in a large auditorium, seating over 1,000 attendees. To accommodate those who may prefer a quieter setting, we will also stream a live feed of the plenary content into a smaller, more intimate room. This option allows attendees to engage with the event while avoiding the sensory overload that larger crowds can sometimes cause.

Support to Attend BNA2025

At BNA, we are committed to making the Festival accessible to everyone. Thanks to support from the British Neuroscience Association and Guarantors of Brain, the BNA-Brain Carer Grant is available to help those with caring responsibilities attend the event. This grant can be used to cover up to £300 towards the cost of care for dependents while you attend, or it can be used to fund travel costs for a partner to join you at the festival and assist with care. We have already allocated over £1,500 to support carers in overcoming logistical challenges. To find out more or apply, click here for detailed information and to access the application form.

Accessibility at BNA2025

We are committed to ensuring that the event is fully accessible to all attendees. During registration, we ask participants to note any specific accessibility needs they may have so that we can provide the necessary support. The BNA2025 venue is fully accessible, including step-free access, accessible restrooms, and more. For detailed information on the venue's accessibility features, please visit this page. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

We’re excited to welcome you to BNA2025 and are continuously working to make the event inclusive and accessible for all. If you have any additional needs or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.