Wales’ first competition designed to encourage the next generation of Welsh scientists to help push the boundaries of understanding of the human brain will take place at Cardiff University later this week (Wednesday 6th July).
School pupils from across South Wales will descend on the University to take part in Wales’ first ‘Brain-Bee’ competition.
The competition, which started in the US and runs in countries across the world, will pit pupil against pupil with the overall winner being the pupil with the most correct answers and best knowledge of how the brain works.
The winner will go on to represent Wales in an international competition of similar winners from participating countries.
“Brain Bee is an attempt to help motivate students to learn about the brain, capture their imaginations and inspire them to pursue careers in biomedical brain research,” according to Dr Vanessa Davies, Manager of Cardiff University’s Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, who organised the event.
“Pupils are learning key facts about how the brain works and will be able to test their knowledge against their fellow pupils.”
The competition is designed to encourage the next generation of neuroscientists to help find cures for Autism, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and other brain disorders.
Students also get the chance to meet and gain friends from other schools, cities and countries while they learn more about the science of the brain.
In total some 70 pupils from schools across South Wales will take part including: St David’s School in Cardiff; Crosskeys; St Cyres and Stanwell Schools in Penarth; West Monmouth; King Henry VIII in Abergavenny; Crickhowell; Monmouth and Barry Comprehensive.
Dr Davies added: “Cardiff University can already boast some of the world’s leading figures in brain research – but we can’t stand still.
“By organising events like this we hope to motivate youngsters to learn more about the brain and tap-in to their energy and passion to become the next world-leading scientists.”
