The Vice President of THE SONAR INSTITUTE, Zorana Foley (pictured above), attended the prestigious “Apéro Scientifique: Neurosciences” event hosted by Alliance Française Dublin on February 23, 2022. The event, organized in collaboration with the French Embassy in Ireland, is part of a series of engaging panel discussions in French, focusing on the intersection of science and society.

Zorana Foley, who brings a rich background in international relations and conflict resolution, was specifically invited to represent THE SONAR INSTITUTE, underscoring the strong ties and ongoing partnership between the two organizations. Several members from THE SONAR INSTITUTE also accompanied Foley, reflecting the collaborative spirit and mutual respect that defines this relationship.

The Apéro Scientifique event, held at the historic Alliance Française Building on 1 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, featured a distinguished panel of speakers. Marc Girod, a Software Engineer at Alison, moderated the discussion, which delved into the advancements and challenges in the field of neuroscience, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence for diagnostics. The panelists included:

• Massimiliano Bianchi, Founder, President & CEO of Ulysses Neuroscience Ltd., and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, as well as Adjunct Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University.
• Fabiana Traini, a PhD student at Trinity College Dublin and Research Intern at Ulysses Neuroscience Ltd.
• Dr. Noel Fitzpatrick, Professor of Philosophy at Technological University Dublin and Academic Lead at the European Culture and Technology Lab, European University of Technology.

The discussion addressed crucial questions about the progress in neuroscience for patient treatment, the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and the importance of centering patient care in medical advancements.

The historic venue, designed in 1860 by the architectural practice of Thomas Deane and Benjamin Woodward, provided an inspiring backdrop for the event. Known for its Venetian-influenced architecture and intricate facade carvings, the Alliance Française Building is one of Dublin’s architectural treasures.

Zorana Foley’s attendance at the Apéro Scientifique is a testament to THE SONAR INSTITUTE’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and engaging with contemporary scientific and societal issues. Her presence, along with other members of the institute, highlighted the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in addressing global challenges.