Galway Neuroscience Centre “My Amazing Brain” Exhibition 2025

Coordinated by Dr Declan McKernan and Dr Siobhan McMahon, the exhibit saw over 300 Transition year students (15-16yr old) from four post-primary schools from all around Galway learn about how the brain and nervous system work. The exhibit consisted of interactive displays where students learnt about the brain in a very practical, hands-on way.  This year, the exhibition included interactive activities on brain biology from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Psychology as well as a stand on biomaterials/medical devices from the CÚRAM, Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices. The exhibition also involved a collaboration with the Cell Explorer’s team who had a ‘create your own neuron’ activity at the exhibition. Sustainability and green-practice in laboratories was also highlighted at the exhibition.  In addition, the NeuroSoc student society was represented at the exhibition where they described nervous system reaction pathways.

In addition to the interactive exhibits, the students had the opportunity to speak and interact with Neuroscientists of all levels where they could ask about the brain and current research within the Galway Neuroscience Centre. A series of large information posters were also on display covering a variety of conditions and illnesses including Stress, Parkinson’s disease, Pain, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke and traumatic nervous system injury. In order to facilitate further student engagement, students participated in a competition focused on answering a number of questions related to the exhibit.

Speaking about the event, Dr Siobhan McMahon, Director of the Galway Neuroscience Centre, said: “We were delighted to host the “My Amazing Brain” Exhibition at University of Galway as part of Brain Awareness Week.Thanks to the collective effort of the GNC members, the event this year was extremely successful with overwhelming positive feedback from students and teachers. Inspiring the next generation of neuroscientists is one of the key goals of the Galway Neuroscience Centre and this engaging, hands-on outreach activity has been key in achieving this goal”