The Gut-Brain Connection: Nourish Your Mind, Body and Microbiome

Date
Wednesday, 25 February 2026
Time
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location
Exton Park, Chester
Seed Talk image
Chester IdeasNutrition and Dietetics

School of Education 

Digest the latest research on the gut-brain axis and discover how to holistically nourish your physical and mental health. Followed by Q&A.

Seed Talks is proud to partner with the University of Chester for a series of talks.

Based in the heart of a historic city, the University of Chester is a forward-thinking modern university with a focus on delivering a sustainable higher education experience that is adaptable to the world around us.

For more information, please visit: www.chester.ac.uk / @uochester

By now, you might have heard that your gut is crucial in maintaining your health as a whole. But what does it actually do? And what does a healthy gut look like? Research is mounting that its role extends way beyond the digestive tract, from impacting sleep, immunity, skin, hormones, to mental health. Join Dr Emily Prpa in this talk to digest the latest gut microbiome science on your second brain by exploring the most recent scientific discoveries, while busting myths surrounding fad diets that promise to miraculously boost gut health.

In particular, we will focus on the Gut-Brain axis: the two-way communication between the gut and the brain. With 90% of your serotonin (or the ‘happy hormone’) being produced in the gut, we will answer which foods are in focus when it comes to boosting your mood. Better yet, this microbiome masterclass will holistically guide you towards cultivating a balanced, gut-friendly diet that nurtures both body and mind.

Dr Emily Prpa is an award-winning nutritionist, with a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from King’s College London. Her research has focused on the therapeutic effects of plant-based foods and on advancing our understanding of how the gut microbiome influences various aspects of health and wellbeing. Her research has been presented internationally, published in high-impact journals and helped inform UK Food Policy. Today she is a Visiting Lecturer at King’s College London and known as The Nutrition Reporter on Instagram where she is recognised as a trusted voice in wellbeing. Emily is considered one of the leading experts in her field and is frequently featured in the media, including Sky News and the BBC.

How to get here

Exton Park is centrally located in Chester, and accessible via the M53, A483, A41, A56, and public transport from the city centre.

Address

University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ

The Greenway Gate, accessible between 7am – 9pm with your University pass, is located at the back of the overflow car park and is the nearest point of access to the Millennium Greenway cycle path that connects to routes throughout the city.

Bache train station is a 15-minute walk from Exton Park and Chester railway station is a 20-minute walk. Arriva 1A and Arriva 1 run frequent services that stop with a short walk to Exton Park. All three Park and Ride routes, PR1, PR2 and PR3 have connections within walking distance to Exton Park.

Parking on campus is limited, so we recommend using public transport and/or walking if possible.