Wales Brain Bee is back for the seventh year running

Science students from nine schools in Wales are preparing to compete in the seventh annual Wales Brain Bee at Cardiff University on Wednesday 12 December.

The aim of this highly anticipated competition, which will take place at the Sir Martin Evans and Hadyn Ellis buildings, is to motivate AS and A Level students to learn more about neuroscience and support this as part of their curriculum.

PhD students and early career researchers from across the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI) will interact with students throughout the day to discuss career options in neuroscience, and students will get the chance to make friends from schools across Wales.

The Competition

The Wales Brain Bee will consist of teams of up to ten students competing in a series of neuroscience-themed challenges. These will vary from practical lab work, to video clips and written a test.

Almost 80 students have registered to take part in this year’s regional event, which is part of an International Brain Bee competition initiated by Dr Norbert Myslinski from the University of Maryland in 1998.

The team finishing in first place will be awarded the Wales Brain Bee shield, currently held by Whitchurch High School in Cardiff. The individual with the highest mark will receive a trophy and gift vouchers, with prizes also given to those finishing second and third.

The next generation of scientists

“Educating young minds about the importance of our body’s most vital organ is a key priority for us,” said NMHRI Engagement Lead Professor Frank Sengpiel, Head of Neuroscience Division in School of Biosciences.

“By making learning fun and throwing in a competitive element, we hope our Wales Brain Bee will capture the students’ imaginations to inspire the next generation of world leading scientists in biomedical brain research.”

Content will be focused on the school curriculum intertwined with Cardiff University’s key neuroscience research themes. Students will be encouraged to think about a variety of brain conditions including Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, consider effective therapies and try out lab-based experiments in small groups.

This year’s competing schools include: Llantwit Major Secondary School, Stanwell School, Whitchurch High School, St Teilos, St Cyres, Monmouth School for Girls, Neath and Port Talbot College, Fitzalan High School and Cathedral School.

For more information or to get in touch about registering a school, please contact: