Former Brain Bee winner excels on the international stage

20 Aug 2009

QBI’s efforts to encourage young people to develop an interest in neuroscience through the Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC) are starting to reap handsome rewards.

Established in 2006, the ABBC motivates young people to learn about the brain and is designed to inspire students to pursue career in science.

In an inspirational feat of determination and intellectual application, the 2008 ABBC State final winner Casey Linton (Somerset College, Queensland) recently achieved second place at the International Brain Bee Competition in Toronto, Canada.

Representing Australia, Casey came narrowly close to winning first prize, which went to Julie Chartrove from the USA.

QBI Director Professor Bartlett said it was an impressive showing by the students.

“We’re delighted that these bright young minds who have participated in the Brain Bee have gone on to compete on the international stage,” he said.

Stephen Mackereth (inset) from New Zealand (the ABBC has also spread across the Tasman) came fourth in the Toronto final, which is now a truly international neuroscience challenge for high school age students.

Casey Linton is currently in year 12 and will be working in a QBI labratory over the coming summer.

More information about the ABBC is available here.

Ends

For more information, please contact:
QBI Communications Office
Tel: +61 7 3346 6434

Notes to the Editor
QUEENSLAND BRAIN INSTITUTE
The Queensland Brain Institute was formed in 2003 as part of the Queensland Government’s Smart State Initiative, building on a long history of neuroscience at The University of Queensland. QBI is dedicated to understanding the molecular basis of brain function and applying this knowledge to the development of new therapeutics to treat brain and mental health disorders.

AUSTRALIAN BRAIN BEE CHALLENGE
The Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC) is the country’s largest neuroscience competition for high school students. The competition is designed to test school students’ knowledge about a range of topics, including intelligence, memory, emotions, sleep, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. In 2010, more than 10,000 students are expected to take part nationally.

Latest