The Australian and New Zealand final of the Brain Bee Challenge took place on the first day of the Australian Neuroscience Society (ANS) Conference held in Perth.
Since its launch in 2007, the competition has enabled many students in Year 10 (Australia) and Year 11 (NZ) to learn about the brain and its functions and dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses.
The annual event also provides opportunities for students to learn about the latest advances in neuroscience research and find out about careers in science and technology.
National Brain Bee Coordinator, Associate Professor Jennifer Rodger, Head of Brain Plasticity Research at the Perron Institute and The University of Western Australia has been involved in the Brain Bee for 17 years.
“It was wonderful to host the National Brain Bee Final at the ANS conference in Perth this week,” A/Professor Rodger said.
“Congratulations to the Australian Brain Bee winner, Tiffany Yi from NSW, and the New Zealand winner, Janie Kim, from the South Island.
“Thank you to Emeritus Professor Charles Watson (Chair of the Neurological Council of WA) and Dr Matthew Kirkcaldie from the University of Tasmania, who developed the content about the brain and mentored students for the state championships.
“It was special to have the 2024 International Brain Bee winner, Samuel Richards, from Rehoboth Christian College in Kenwick (Perth), inspire the competitors and assist in the lead-up to this year’s national event.”
Samuel said he was grateful for all the experiences as State (WA), National and International champion of the Brain Bee. “What was memorable about the online international competition involving 37 countries were the opportunities it presented for learning about the brain and meeting experts in the field of neuroscience,” Samuel said.
Samuel recently helped the 2024 WA Brain Bee winner, Ekaterina Khakimullina, from Perth Modern School, prepare for the Australian and New Zealand Challenge at the Perron Institute.
Ekaterina, who placed second in the National Final, said she was surprised she won the WA competition. “The content is engrossing, I’m grateful for the experience and meeting people in the neuroscience field,” Ekaterina said.
“In preparation for the national competition, Sam was helpful. He is very good at explaining difficult concepts, and I appreciate his support.”
The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation supported this year’s national competition.
Photo caption: L-R: A/Prof Jenny Rodger, Tiffany Yi (Aust Brain Bee winner) and Dr Jennie Cederholme (Neuroscience Researcher from UNSW Sydney and Brain Bee NSW State Representative).
