Conference

To mark the 90th anniversary of the death of the Spanish scientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852-1934), the BMM and the Embassy of Spain in Berlin are organising the interdisciplinary conference "Drawing research around 1900. Research networks and knowledge transfer". The event will be held in English and will be streamed live on YouTube!

The histologist and neuroanatomist is regarded as one of the most important founders of modern neuroscience, in whose work research and art meet. Even today, his precise anatomical drawings can be found in neuroscience textbooks and are also used in art. The current special exhibition "The brain in science and art" also showes selected drawings by Cajal.

The conference will explore the following questions: Which scientific networks were relevant for the recognition and dissemination of Cajal's work around 1900? What significance did drawing have as a means of anatomical documentation and the acquisition of scientific knowledge?

The conference is divided into two thematic blocks: The first part focuses on Cajal's biography and emphasises experiences that had a significant influence on him with regard to his scientific career. In addition, the scientific networks and specialist societies that supported Cajal in the publication of his scientific discoveries will be presented. The second part is dedicated to Cajal's images and examines his drawing process as an instrument of thought and cognition. Images from other processes such as computer tomography are also included.

Programme

2:30 pm

Registration

3:00 pm

Welcome
Museum Director Monika Ankele and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain Pascual Navarro

3:15 pm

Biography of Ramón y Cajal, significance for modern neuroscience
Alberto J. Schuhmacher (Zaragoza, Spain)

4:00 pm

Albert von Koelliker and the discovery of Cajal - networks, scientific societies and the transfer of knowledge in the 19th century
Jonas Eufinger (Würzburg, Germany)

4:40 pm

Discussion

4:50 pm

Break

5:20 pm

Looking, Drawing, Thinking with Santiago Ramón y Cajal
Erna Fiorentini (Karlsruhe, Germany)

6:05 pm

Neural Narratives: Exploring Early Cajal Drawings and Contemporary Neuroscientific Images
Miguel Ángel Rego (Madrid, Spain)

6:45 pm

Closing Discussion

7:00 pm

Exhibition visit and Get-Together

9:00 pm

End of Conference