Brain Awareness Week to bring neuroscience to the masses

A diverse programme of events will be running across the week (12^th – 18^th March), which focus on increasing public awareness of the benefits and importance of neuroscience research.

Events kick-off March 12^th, with local schools being invited to attend an afternoon of hands-on activities to learn about the brain, including topics such as sleep, imagination and dementia.

Exeter students are invited to join in a ‘speed dating-style’ event on March 14^th, which will give students the chance to interact with neuroscientists at various stages in their careers, from PhD students to professors. A promotional video, “Through the Eyes of a Neuroscientist”, will also give students an enlightening insight into the day-to-day activities of brain researchers across the University.

A series of seminars on the evening of March 15^th will provide members of the public, including Exeter students, the opportunity to find out more about various fascinating neuroscience ideologies, as well as the exciting brain research currently happening in Exeter.

Towards the end of the week, the University of Exeter will host its annual Spring Community Day. An interactive stand will represent the neuroscience research taking place across the University, with exciting exhibits on dementia and brain models.

Soraya Meftah, organising member for Brain Awareness Week at the University of Exeter, said: “Brain Awareness Week at Exeter is shaping up to be a fantastic week, and gives us an excellent opportunity to shine a spotlight on the important brain research we do here in Exeter and across the world. It’s an area of research that’s really evolving, and could lead to better understanding, new treatments and possible cures for a range of disorders, from depression to dementia.”

Brain Awareness Week is an annual, global campaign which aims to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. The week is supported by the Dana Foundation – a private philanthropic organisation dedicated to advancing brain research and educating the public on future areas of neuroscience research. Brain Awareness Week at Exeter is being funded by the British Neuroscience Association, the largest UK professional body representing all aspects of neuroscience.

You can follow the events on Twitter using #BAWExeter.