Brain Battle Looms for Top 100

19 Jun 2008

The Queensland Minister for Education and Training, the Hon. Mr Rod Welford MP, will officiate on Tuesday 24 June when more than 100 of Queensland’s best young minds flex their neuroscience knowledge at the state final of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC) at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI).

The event, coordinated by QBI neuroscientists and held atTthe University of Queensland, attracted more than 9,000 enrollments nationally this year and helps to increase brain awareness among young people – and their knowledge of the significance of neuroscience.

Australian Brain Bee Challenge coordinator Associate Professor Linda Richards said it was important to remember that doctors rely on fundamental research in neuroscience to treat neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

“The Australian community faces a growing number of citizens with debilitating neurodegenerative diseases and mental illnesses and it’s important that we encourage the next generation of neuroscientists to tackle these problems,” Dr Richards said.

“Only through fundamental research will we be able to develop the much-needed therapeutic treatments the community urgently needs for these conditions.”

As the competition is being held for the first time in the newly opened Queensland Brain Institute, this year’s finalists will be able to view state-of-the art facilities in one of Australia’s top research institutes.

Dr Richards said the enthusiasm of both teachers and students had seen enrolments in the Brain Bee Challenge dramatically increase this year.

“It’s not only a wonderful opportunity for young people to compete, but QBI also ensures every student gains an insight into what it’s like to be a research scientist.”

“For many students, this is their first look inside a research laboratory, so we introduce them to some of the many advanced technologies used in neuroscience and give them a snap-shot of what it’s like to be a scientist,” Dr Richards said.

The Queensland State final of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge will be officially opened by the Honourable Rod Welford in his capacity as Minister for Education and Training on Tuesday, 24 June at 9:00 am.

The competition continues throughout the day and features a special lecture by QBI’s Foundation Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, Professor Jason Mattingley, who will present “What can neuroscience tell us about the nature of conscious experience?” from 1:00 to 1:30pm.

Prize presentation and closing remarks will be held from 4:30pm.

Associate Professor Linda Richards is available for interviews

For more information please call QBI communications (07) 3346 6414

Queensland schools competing in the ABBC finals

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