Galway Neuroscience Centre saw almost 500 students attend “My Amazing Brain Exhibition” as part of Brain Awareness Week

The Galway Neuroscience Centre organised and hosted the “My Amazing Brain Exhibition” in The Orbsen Building at the University of Galway on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th March, 2024. Coordinated by Dr Michelle Roche and Dr Declan McKernan, the exhibit saw over 350 Transition year students from five post-primary schools as well as over 100 primary school students 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 a wide range of interactive activities examining brain biology and anatomy, hand-eye coordination, cognition, brain waves, colour perception, to name but a few. In addition the exhibition was expanded this year to highlighting sustainability and green-practice in research and showcase some of the biomaterials used in neuroscience research by GNC investigators.

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.

Furthermore, this year the Galway Neuroscience Centre and Cell Explorers collaborated to offer students the opportunity to partake in the Cell Explorers Escape Rooms activity prior to or following attendance at the exhibition. Students also has the opportunity to visit the Draw Thought Neurodivergance Festival in the University Museum, coordinated by GNC investigator, Dr Jane Conway.

Speaking about the event, Dr Michelle Roche, Director of the Galway Neuroscience Centre, said: “The Galway Neuroscience Centre are delighted to have been able to host range of activities across the University for Brain Awareness Week 2024. The new and expanded “My Amazing Brain Exhibition” was a tremendous success thanks to the collective effort of almost 100 GNC member volunteers across all levels that ensured that the students and teachers enjoyed and engaged with all of the activities. Collaborating with the Cell Explorers team and Dr Jane Conway, enabled the students to engage in multiple events across the university this year and feedback has been overwhelming positive. One of the key goals of the Galway Neuroscience Centre is to inspire the next generation of brain researchers and these exciting interactive hands-on outreach activities have been key in achieving this aim”

The GNC would like to thank FENS-DANA, The CSE and CMNHS and RO Thresis for their support of this event.