Galway Neuroscience Centre “My Amazing Brain” Exhibition 2026
The Galway Neuroscience Centre were delighted to organise and host the “My Amazing Brain” Exhibition in The Orbsen Building at the University of Galway on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th March, 2026. Coordinated by GNC Outreach Officer Dr Declan McKernan, the exhibit saw over 320 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 disciplines including anatomy, pharmacology, physiology & psychology as well as a stand on biomaterials from the CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices. The exhibition had undergraduate students from the NeuroSoc society and also the Cell Explorer’s team who had a create your own neuron activity at the exhibition.
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, Alzheimer’s disease, Stroke and Spinal cord 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 Siobhán McMahon, Director of the Galway Neuroscience Centre, said: “We were delighted to host our annual “My Amazing Brain” exhibition at the University of Galway. Thanks to the efforts of GNC members, the event was a great success, receiving very positive feedback from students and teachers. Inspiring the next generation of brain researchers is a key goal of the Galway Neuroscience Centre, and this interactive, hands-on activity plays an important role in achieving it.”
The GNC would like to thank all the funders of the brain exhibition: University of Galway College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, Neuroscience Ireland and the FENS Dana Foundation.
