German Neuroscience Olympiad 2024 at the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar

On March 9, 2024, the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar proudly hosted the regional competition of the German Neuroscience Olympiad (DNO) in Bonn. This year, over 40 talented students from grades 8 to 13 gathered to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in neuroscience. The competition was organized by DNO Bonn e.V. with support from MPINB, BFB, BIGS Neuroscience, NeuroTechEU, and iBehave.

This year's event was marked by an intense competitive atmosphere where participants in various disciplines—from written tests and neuroanatomical practicals to patient diagnoses—demonstrated their comprehensive understanding of neuroscience. The questions, posed in English, covered a wide range of neuroscience topics and challenged the young talents to apply both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

A particular highlight was this year’s jury, comprised of leading scientists such as Dr. Monika Scholz, Dr. Jens Tillmann and Prof. Dr. Michael Roßbach, who impressed with their expertise and passion for neuroscience. Their expertise and commitment to fostering young talent were crucial to the competition's success.

The "NeuroExpo," an interactive exhibition held concurrently with the competition, attracted numerous visitors. At various booths, guests, including students, teachers, and parents, were able to dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience. Highlights of the expo included demonstrations by the iBots Team of 3D-printed brain models and VR simulations, providing insights into the latest technologies and research approaches.

This year was not only impressive in terms of the number of competition participants but also in the response from visitors who took the opportunity to engage directly with researchers and gain deeper insights into neurobiological research. We are proud that the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior – caesar could provide a platform where young neuroscientists could showcase their potential while also raising awareness among a broader audience about the importance of neuroscience research. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the DNO and to fostering and celebrating more inspiring talents in the coming years. For more information on future events and initiatives, please stay connected with us.