Established by the Dana Foundation in 1995, Brain Awareness Week is a global event promoting neuroscience research and education. Each year, neuroscientists, in partnership with universities, schools, and community organizations, celebrate Brain Awareness Week by hosting public events such as lectures, information displays, art shows, and children’s activities. To learn more about Brain Awareness Week and see pictures from events held across the world, please visit the Dana Foundation’s Brain Awareness Week web site.
The MNN is proud to sponsor a variety of Brain Awareness Week activities, including the Winnipeg Brain Bee, Café Scientifique, and Neurocraft. We also invite high-profile Canadian neuroscientists to give public presentations on their research.
2021 Brain Awareness Week
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the MNN celebrated the 2021 Brain Awareness Week virtually. Check out some of our activities below!
Neuroscience for Kids!
We took the free Neuroscience for Kids Activities from our cancelled 2020 BAW schedule and made it virtual.
This included:
- The brain hat
- Play-Doh brains
- Protect the brain - egg drop challenge
- Pipe cleaner neurons
- Neuroscience coloring book
Check out our Instagram IGTV Channel for some cool videos!
Trainee photo contest
Our first photo contest celebrating the research works of our trainees! Representative photos/images were shared on our social media accounts and voted on by the public. The winner of the contest received a $100 gift card to Brazen Hall.
WINNER:
Pranav Mishra
Ph.D. student
Supervisor: Dr. Paul Fernyhough
Your brain is a pack of neurons
Café Scientifique
March 15
Research in Motion: The latest advances in Parkinson's disease
Panel: Dr. Ji Hyun Ko, Dr. Douglas Hobson, Dr. Tony Szturm
Visiting speaker
March 15
Understanding the cellular and molecular landscape of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dr. Karun Singh
Senior Scientist, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto
Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
Throwback!
All events cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
WINNIPEG BRAIN BEE
March 7
Bannatyne campus, University of Manitoba
NEUROSCIENCE FOR KIDS!
March 11
Outlet Collection Winnipeg
Free neuroscience activities presented in association with students from the University of Manitoba chapter of Let’s Talk Science
EDGE OF SCIENCE SEMINAR
March 16
Theatre C Bannatyne Campus
Dr. Brian MacVicar
University of British Columbia
Microglia sensing and modulation of synaptic plasticity in neuronal circuits
SPECIAL LECTURE
March 17
Theatre C Bannatyne Campus
Dr. Tuan Trang
University of Calgary
Microglia and pannexin1: a cellular Rubik’s cube
CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE
March 15
McNally Robinson Bookstore
Co-sponsored by MNN: Research in motion: using new technologies to diagnose and treat Parkinson’s disease
NEUROSCIENCE FOR KIDS!
March 21
Garden City Shopping Centre
WINNIPEG BRAIN BEE
March 9
Bannatyne campus, University of Manitoba
Check out the winners here!
VISITING SPEAKER
March 11
Dr. Steven Conor
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
York University
Taming the wild synapse: MDGAs as negative regulators of synapse development
WINNIPEG BRAIN BEE
March 10
Bannatyne campus, University of Manitoba
Check out the winners here!
CAFE SCIENTIFIQUE
March 12
McNally Robinson Bookstore
Co-sponsored by MNN: Analyzing the spectrum: The neuroscience of autism
VISITING SPEAKER
March 14
Theatre C, BMSB, University of Manitoba, Bannatyne Campus
Dr. Pierre Marquet
Canada Excellence Research Chair
Neurophotonics
Neurophotonics to Intercept the Emergence of Major Psychiatric Disorders
IN CONVERSATION WITH DR. PIERRE MARQUET
March 14
McNally Robinson Bookstore
Identification of a childhood risk syndrome of major psychiatric diseases: a step towards their prevention
VISITING SPEAKER
March 15
Room 626, BMSB, University of Manitoba, Bannatyne Campus
Dr. Karim Fouad
Canada Research Chair, Spinal Cord Injury
Promoting plasticity and recovery following spinal cord injury
SCHOOL TOURS OF NEUROCRAFT
March 15 & Friday, March 16
C2 Centre for Craft
WINNIPEG BRAIN BEE
March 11
Bannatyne campus, University of Manitoba
Check out the winners here!
SPECIAL LECTURE
March 13
Theatre B Bannatyne Campus
Dr. Luda Diatchenko
Canada Excellence Research Chair in Human Pain Genetics
CAFE SCIENTIFIQUE
March 15
McNally Robinson Bookstore
Co-sponsored by MNN: The Battle against Brain Tumours: Developing New Treatments through Innovative Research
NEUROCRAFT PUBLIC PANEL
March 16
Brainstorming: What Can Art and Neuroscience Learn from Each Other?
Winnipeg Free Press Cafe
Discussion on the intersection of art and science with Neurocraft artists and scientists
NEUROCRAFT WORKSHOP WITH ANN STINNER
March 17
Brodie Centre Atrium
BAW VISITING SPEAKERS
2016: Dr. Oliver Ernst, University of Toronto, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Structural Neurobiology
2015: Dr. Matthew Farrer, University of British Columbia, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Neurogenetics and Translational Neuroscience
2012: Dr. Adrian Owen, Western University, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience and Imaging