From competition to discovery: Brain Bee students join QBI labs
This December, UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) welcomed four exceptional high school students for a unique, week-long internship. The students earned their place by competing in the Australian Brain Bee Challenge. This national neuroscience competition inspires young minds to explore the complexities of the human brain.
The four students spent the week immersed in cutting-edge research at QBI. They worked alongside neuroscientists, learnt about advanced laboratory techniques, and gained firsthand insight into how discoveries are made. From understanding neural circuits to exploring the latest in imaging technology, the program offers a rare glimpse into the world of scientific research.
Alice Liang from Brisbane State High School is the 2025 national champion for the Australian Brain Bee Challenge. She will represent Australia in the international final in 2026. Following her national victory, Alice joined the Meunier Lab to observe the team’s work comparing the effects of Hericene A, an active compound from the lion’s mane mushroom, across different mouse models. Their research builds on earlier studies related to memory. On her first day, Alice said her supervisor, Dr Sevannah Steeves, gave her a crash course in essential scientific terms like synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis.
The Van Swinderen Lab hosted Thomas Scott who will be in Year 11 next year at Brisbane Grammar School. Thomas is fascinated by the brain’s interconnectedness with the body and the mystery of consciousness. During his time in the lab, Thomas observed fly brain research, asking perceptive questions about predictive coding and decision-making. Under Dr Drew Cyclinder’s guidance, Thomas learnt about anaesthesia and explored findings on possible reversal agents that may improve recovery from anaesthetics.
Abigail Butler from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School joined the Nestor Lab for her internship. Inspired by her science teacher and her mum, who has a keen interest in brain health, Abi wanted to explore neurobiology before her senior high school years, when her focus will be on chemistry and physics. Abi observed Professor Peter Nestor testing a patient in the clinic and learnt how clinicians compare brain scans with cognitive and physical tests to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. She also became a control subject for new eye-tracking technology the team is exploring to enhance diagnosis.
The Anggono Lab hosted Grace He, who won third place in the national Australian Brain Bee Challenge and is from Brisbane State High School. Under the guidance of PhD student Christiana Lowis, Grace learnt about the role of Copine-6, a calcium-sensing protein in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, which translates neuronal activity into lasting synaptic changes that underpin our ability to learn and remember.
The Brain Bee Challenge is more than a competition. It provides a window into careers in science, medicine, and technology. Engaging students early helps foster curiosity and critical thinking skills essential for tackling future challenges in brain health and disease.
QBI is proud to support these talented students as they consider becoming the next generation of researchers. While neuroscience is not part of the Australian curriculum, their enthusiasm and dedication reflect a growing interest in the brain.
We look forward to seeing what these young scientists will achieve in the future. We also thank the QBI research teams for hosting them and nurturing their interest in neuroscience.