8th annual Wales Brain Bee Competition

The Wales Brain Bee competition took place on Friday 13th December 2019, hosted by the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI).

The competition

Forty-six AS and A Level science students, from six different schools came together to compete and test their knowledge of neuroscience. The event consisted of lab challenges, written exam questions and a team neuro-challenge

Based on the International Brain Bee competition, set up by Dr Norbert Myslinski from the University of Maryland in 1998, the regional Wales Brain Bee’s mission is to inspire the next generation of students to pursue study and careers in neuroscience and increase their confidence and skills.

PhD students and early career researchers from across the NMHRI interact with students throughout the day to discuss career options in neuroscience, and students get the chance to make friends from schools across Wales.

The winners

Schools included Cathedral School, St Cyres, Ysgol Gyfyn Gwyr, St Joseph’s and Stanwell.  With three female students from Cathedral school taking home first, second and third prizes of Amazon vouchers worth £50, £25 and £10. Cathedral School also took home the Wales Brain Bee shield for the second consecutive year.

The top ten winners from 2018 and 2019 have been invited to compete in the national competition, hosted in London on 21st March 2020.

Key outcomes

Based on feedback from students and teachers that attended, there was a consensus that the competition taught the students new skills, knowledge and confidence as well as providing a valuable insight into the higher education environment and experiences; with 59% of students voting that they were more interested in pursuing studies or a career in science as a result of attending.

Register for 2020

If you are a school interested in taking part in the Wales Brain Bee 2020, register your team (up to 10 students) by contacting: