Exposignalz Partner Organises Events for Brain Awareness Week

As part of Brain Awareness Week, the Institute of Imaging, Brain and Neuropsychiatry (iBraiN), a joint research unit supported by Inserm and the University of Tours, is organising two public outreach events focused on environmental pollutants in connection with the ExpoSignalz project.

Dr Véronique Perrier, ExpoSignalz Project Coordinator and Research Director at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), will give a lecture titled “Do Environmental Pollutants Affect Brain Health?“. This event will take place on the evening of the 19th of March, in Tours.

The second lecture, “Fungicides and the Brain: A Risky Relationship?“, will be given by Dr Julie Le Merrer, Research Director at CNRS and a Work Package Leader in Exposignalz. This lecture will be given as part of a broader evening event taking place on the 17th of March, also in Tours.

Both lectures will be delivered in French.

Tuesday 17th March, 2026 – Environmental Pollutants and the Brain: Better Knowledge for Deeper Understanding

Environmental pollutants are part of our everyday surroundings and can be found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil, and the food we eat. This evening event offers an open forum to explore what current research is revealing about their potential interactions with the brain, through a series of talks grounded in experimental models. The programme will continue with a panel discussion moderated by the local association Dans Ma Bulle, providing an opportunity for dialogue with the speakers. An informal reception will close the event, allowing conversations to continue in a convivial setting.

Endocrine Disruptors: Today’s Environmental Pollutants, Tomorrow’s Public Health Threat?

Dr Pascal Vaudin, University of Tours, INSERM, N2Cox U1069, Tours, France

Western societies produce and use a wide range of chemicals in pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial sectors. These synthetic compounds, now embedded in daily life, are increasingly raising concerns among both the general public and healthcare professionals. Beyond their role as environmental contaminants, some of these substances can affect animal and human health through endocrine-disrupting activity. But what exactly is an endocrine disruptor? Where are they found? How are we exposed?

Cyanotoxins in the Environment: Are Our Neurons at Risk?

Prof Stéphane Mortaud, Immuno-Neuro Modulation Laboratory, CNRS UMR 7355, Orléans, France

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are microorganisms naturally present in both freshwater and marine environments. Some species can produce toxins known as cyanotoxins, which may be harmful to health following exposure during water-based activities or after ingestion. Climate change and human activities can promote large-scale growth episodes (“blooms”), increasing the risk of exposure. Several scientific studies suggest a close association between rising cyanotoxin presence and neurodegenerative diseases. While controversies remain, how strong is the evidence, and what do we know about the real-world risks?

Fungicides and the Brain: A Risky Relationship?

Dr Julie Le Merrer, University of Tours, INSERM, Imaging Brain & Neuropsychiatry (iBraiN) U1253, Tours, France

Human populations are exposed to pollutants that may influence brain development, yet their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of a mixture of three fungicides administered via drinking water to pregnant and lactating female mice, assessing both offspring behaviour and gene expression in the brain. Our findings suggest that early-life exposure to fungicides can durably alter social and motor behavioural development in offspring, potentially by targeting key components of neuronal communication pathways.

Our research group studies neurodevelopmental disorders in preclinical mouse models, with a particular focus on autism spectrum disorder. We combine complementary approaches to identify biological targets and potential therapeutic strategies.

Panel Discussion moderated by the association Dans Ma Bulle includes:

• Dr Arnaud Menuet, Associate Professor, University of Orléans
• Dr Céline Montécot-Dubourg, Associate Professor, University of Orléans
• Dr Jérôme Becker, Research Director, Inserm
• Dr Julie Le Merrer, Research Director, CNRS
• Dr Mathieu Fonteneau, Associate Researcher, Inserm
• Dr Pascal Vaudin, Associate Professor, University of Tours
• Prof Stéphane Mortaud, Professor, University of Orléans

Register here.

Thursday 19th March, 2026 – Do Environmental Pollutants Affect Brain Health?

Dr Véronique Perrier, Institute of Neurosciences of Montpellier (INM)

Environmental pollutants — including pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, and micro- and nanoplastics — contaminate air, water, soil, and food, resulting in chronic low-level exposure whose long-term health consequences remain poorly understood. Although epidemiological studies are essential for investigating human health, they face major challenges in disentangling the effects of multiple, cumulative exposures, particularly in the context of ageing-related disorders. To help address this gap, we are developing complementary experimental models that replicate real-world pollutant exposure and provide new insights into their impact on brain health.

Register here.

Brain Awareness Week

Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. Organised by the Dana Foundation, it provides an opportunity to let people know about the progress that is being done in brain research as well as progress in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Brain Awareness Week will take place from the 16th to the 22nd of March 2026.