Galway Neuroscience Centre
The Galway Neuroscience Centre (GNC) is a centre of excellence for interdisciplinary neuroscience research, education and outreach activities across the University of Galway
The GNC brings together all academic staff, students, researchers and clinicians at the University of Galway and Galway University Hospitals who have an interest in neuroscience research, education and communication.
It is a dynamic and interdisciplinary centre, comprising of over 48 Principal Investigators and their research groups, drawn from all four Colleges within the University, as well as neurologists and psychiatrists in local hospitals.
About the Organization
GNC members are actively engaged in numerous outreach activities each year, such as school visits, competitions, exhibits and festivals to inform and engage young minds in how the brain works in both health and disease. A number of GNC Principal Investigators have involved in developing documentary videos on current research in Parkinson’s disease, Stroke, Schizophrenia, Multiple Sclerosis and Bipolar disorder, which have received wide acclaim and international recognition.
The ‘My Amazing Brain’ exhibition serves as the flagship annual outreach initiative of the GNC. The exhibition first took place in March 2009 when Prof. Karen Doyle (Director of the GNC at the time) and GNC members launched the event in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre. In 2011, the event was moved to the Galway City Museum and then in 2014, onto the University campus, firstly to the Aula Maxima and then in 2023 to the Orbsen Building.
GNC members are actively engaged in numerous outreach activities each year, but its biggest outreach initiative is held annually during International Brain Awareness Week, when its members host the “My Amazing Brain” exhibition, a two-day event organised by GNC Principal Investigators, early career researchers and undergraduate students.
“The scientists running the brain exhibition were great at engaging all of our students. Their communication skills were excellent, they had activities set up that the students loved, and most importantly, the students gained an appreciation of what real life scientists get up to on their day-today. We recommended that the students stay for the full hour and many stayed on far beyond that because they were enjoying it so much!”
Goals
The aim of the "My Amazing Brain" event is to increase public interest and engagement in how the brain works, communicate research findings to the public and inspire the next generation of neuroscience researchers.
It provides a shared space for learning and collaboration for second level school children and their teachers. This creates a platform for enhancing community engagement.
Community Voice
The ‘My Amazing Brain’ exhibition consists of a selection of interactive displays for students from Galway city and county secondary schools to learn all about neuroscience and the brain, play interactive games, win prizes and talk to neuroscientists.
‘It is always a successful event when students come away wanting to learn more. It was so refreshing to see so many young people talking about science with minimal devices involved. Human communication is safe, it can never be replaced by AI."
“Our students really enjoyed the day – they were very impressed with how friendly all the staff and students were at University of Galway. All the volunteers were so enthusiastic about what they were doing and willing to explain that our students learned a lot and had fun at the same time.”
Brain exhibition 2026 – video clip showing the 2026 brain exhibition that took place in the Orbsen Building Foyer, March 10th and 11th 2026.
Other outreach projects that GNC members have been involved in include:
- School visits
- Competitions, such as the International Brain Bee and the START competition
- Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
- Galway Science and Technology Festival Exhibition
- Meet the Scientist Webinar
- Creating documentary videos about neurological conditions
- Webinars / panel discussions on neurological conditions
GNC representatives at the stand at Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (Left-right; Jonathan Costello, Dr Ciara Egan, Prof John Kelly, Katie Healy).
GNC representatives at the stand at Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (Left-right; Jonathan Costello, Dr Ciara Egan, Prof John Kelly, Katie Healy).
GNC PI Dr Louise Horrigan with primary school children at the START competition awards day, University of Galway.
GNC PI Dr Louise Horrigan with primary school children at the START competition awards day, University of Galway.
GNC PIs have participated in films that highlight current research on neurological disorders (E.g. Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder).
GNC PIs have participated in films that highlight current research on neurological disorders (E.g. Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder).
Outcomes and Impacts
The "My Amazing Brain" event brings approximately 300 transition year students from schools across Galway city and county onto the campus where they learn about how the brain and nervous system work.
A poster describing the event has been presented at the FENS Forum (Europe’s largest international neuroscience congress).
Sustainable Development Goals
Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Goal 4 - Quality Education
Our Partners
Transition year students and teachers within secondary schools in Galway city and county.
For more information, contact the Galway Neuroscience Centre at neuroscience@universityofgalway.ie
Contact the Community Engagement Office at the University of Galway
Email: community@universityofgalway.ie
Engagement Office
Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS)
University of Galway
Upper Newcastle Road
Galway, Ireland
H91 C7DK