AWCBR | Neuroscience | Christchurch

AWCBR 2026

Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research

30 AUG - 03 SEP | Christchurch, New Zealand

AWCBR in Christchurch

Join the Largest Neuroscience Meeting in New Zealand – AWCBR 2026!

The Australasian Winter Conference for Brain Research is returning in 2026, bringing together world-leading neuroscientists, clinicians, and innovators to inspire cutting-edge research and collaboration.

To improve accessibility and foster an even stronger community, AWCBR 2026 will again be held in the Garden City – Ōtautahi/Christchurch, New Zealand! Experience an exciting program featuring ground breaking research, dynamic networking events, exclusive symposia, and expert-led panels. Present your work through poster and oral sessions, and engage with a global audience.

New Zealand based student and post-doc grants-in-aid (up to 6 years post-PhD) and childcare support grants are available, ensuring inclusivity for all. Set against the breath taking backdrop of Christchurch, this is where innovation meets inspiration.

Don’t miss out—be part of AWCBR 2026!

Key Dates

15/04/2026	Abstract Submissions Open
01/05/2026	Early Bird Registration Open
15/05/2026	Symposia Applications Close
22/06/2026	Abstract Submission Closes
18/07/2026	Early Bird Registration Closes
20/08/2026	All Registration Closes
30/08/2026	Conference Begins
03/09/2026	Conference Finishes

Stunning Venue

We’re thrilled to announce that the Australasian Winter Conference for Brain Research (AWCBR) 2026 will be held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre! Located in the heart of the Garden City, Te Pae is a world-class venue designed for collaboration and innovation.

With stunning modern architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and breathtaking views of the Ōtākaro Avon River, Te Pae offers the perfect setting for cutting-edge neuroscience discussions. Enjoy seamless conference experiences with high-tech presentation spaces, premium networking areas, and easy access to Christchurch’s vibrant restaurants, cafes, and green spaces.

Plenary Speakers

Carlos Matute, PhD

Professor, Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain.

Ricardo Miledi Honorary Professor in Autonomous National University of Mexico

Elected Member of the Academia Europaea

Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship Recipient

Professor Matute is a neurobiologist specializing in oligodendrocytes, myelin, and neurodegenerative diseases. His Laboratory of Neurobiology at the University of the Basque Country, studies the cell biology of neurotransmitter receptors in glia (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia) and their functional and pathological roles. His ground-breaking work has demonstrated that excessive activation of excitatory receptors damages oligodendrocytes and triggers demyelination in multiple sclerosis and stroke. Over the past decade, he has shown that neurotransmitter receptors in microglia and oligodendrocytes can regulate energy metabolism, modulate neuroinflammation, and promote myelin repair, and uncovered molecular and cellular mechanisms in neurone and glia contributing to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases—findings with strong translational relevance.

Chris Reid, PhD

Professor,Lead of the Epilepsy and Neurodevelopment Research Priority,

Head of the Neurophysiology of Excitable Networks Laboratory

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Professor Reid is Research lead of the Epilepsy and Neurodevelopment Research Area and heads the Neurophysiology of Excitable Networks Laboratory at The Florey. He is a translational neuroscientist and leads a multidisciplinary team that investigates the molecular and cellular causes of epilepsy. Key work from his lab includes developing and characterising new genetic models of epilepsy and identifying new molecular targets for treating this devastating disease. Professor Reid has strong engagement with industry and clinical partners providing a translational path and is research vision is to continue to drive pre-clinical programs that will create and validate therapeutic strategies targeted at genetic causes of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

Wickcliffe (Cliff) Abraham, PhD, FRSNZ

Professor, Department of Psychology

Poutoko Taiea Distinguished Chair
University of Otago

Professor Cliff Abraham a long-standing research interest and expertise in the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, metaplasticity and memory formation in the brain. My clinically relevant research interests include biomarkers and therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, neurogenesis and neuroprotection mechanisms using animal and cell-based models.

Professor Abraham has published nearly 200 journal articles, books and book chapters and has been awarded a number of number of prestigious prizes and awards. These include a James Cook Fellowship, the Marsden Medal and the Rutherford Medal recognising exceptional, career-spanning contributions to knowledge, science, technology, or the humanities.highlighting sustained research impact, service, and leadership in New Zealand.

Professor Abraham is retiring in 2026 and it is an honour to have Cliff, who was a founding member of AWCBR, giving one of the plenary talks at AWCBR 2026.

We’re excited to announce that this year’s opening Plenary Lecture and welcome event will again take place in the UNESCO award-winning heritage building – The Great Hall, Te Matatiki Toi Ora.

This breathtaking venue, rich in history and architectural beauty, will provide a truly inspiring setting for one of the conference’s most anticipated events.

With its stunning stained-glass windows, soaring timber ceilings, and grand ambiance, The Great Hall blends heritage charm with modern prestige. As a space that has long celebrated knowledge and creativity, it is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable plenary session.

SYMPOSIA:Making sense of the visual world through circuits and behavior: from flies to primates

Prof. Dr. Jason Kerr
Scientific Director, current Managing Director,

Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior

We are excited to announce our first symposium, which has been organised by Professor Jason Kerr from the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior. He and international collaborators will highlight vision as an active, context-dependent computation shaped by connectivity, internal motor signals, and environmental demands.

This symposium will brings together four perspectives on how the visual systems of very different species turn light into action through different behavioral strategies as well as circuit designs, from the retina to the visual cortex. Spanning Drosophila, mice, primates, and freely flyinghawks, the symposium will introduce high resolution imaging techniques for quantification of free-behavior, neuronal activity, and dense reconstruction of visual neural circuits.