The Faculty of Education and Psychology at ELTE Joins Brain Awareness Week

"Brain Awareness Week" is an annual global campaign aimed at raising public awareness of the advances and benefits of brain research. The campaign serves as a unique platform to promote global awareness of brain health, bridge knowledge gaps, and emphasize the importance of neuroscience research within local communities, all aimed at improving the understanding of brain science among people of all ages and diverse backgrounds and fostering public interest.

This year, ELTE PPK participated in the global "Brain Awareness Week" campaign under the slogan "Mind the Brain!". Over twenty students and professional staff volunteered to lead a variety of activities throughout the week and ensure engaging content for all ages, including presentations, interactive workshops, virtual exhibitions, outreach initiatives, and promotional events.

In line with the slogan, the topics were dedicated to understanding the fundamental anatomy of the nervous system, neuroplasticity, central nervous system disorders, healthy habits and means of prevention, the importance of mental health and psychotherapy, and finally, the challenges posed by rapid technological advancement in a roundtable discussion on human and artificial intelligence.

In addition to conducting activities in kindergartens and primary and secondary schools, part of the program was held at the Institute of Psychology, where Dr. Ildikó Király, Head of the Department and Laboratory Director, as a part of the "Meet the Scientist!" event welcomed a group of students interested in the work and research facilities available at the BabyLab. During the week, ELTE PPK citizens had the opportunity to engage in promotional stands in Faculty buildings on both Izabella and Kazinczy streets and enjoy the virtual exhibition "Art in Neuroscience".

The project proposal "Mind the Brain!" was awarded by the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and Dana Foundation to Sandra Stojić, a member of the Human Electrophysiology Research Group and the organizer of the Brain Awareness Week at ELTE PPK, as one of the 33 winning projects across Europe.