The Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC) is a competition for high school students in year 10 to learn about the brain and its functions, learn about neuroscience research, find out about careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses. 

There are 4 rounds: Round 1 – online Quiz, Round 2 – Regional Finals, Round 3 – National Finals and Round 4 – International Finals

Prospect High School congratulates Charlotte, who after completing Round 1 made it through to the Regional Final. Round 2 was held at the end of Term 2 in Hobart and following extensive and diligent study, Charlotte achieved first place and we travel to the National Finals later in the year.

Enjoy reading what Charlotte has written about her experience. Hopefully it encourages more students to participate next year.

“The neuroscience competition, called the ‘Brain Bee Challenge’, was held at the Medical Sciences Precinct at UTAS, Hobart. There were at least two people from each school, and only me from Prospect. Before we started, we had morning tea provided by UTAS and time to relax before the test started. When it did, we went to a lecture theatre where we did the test on our devices we brought. The test went for an hour, and the questions were quite hard. When the test was over, we had a professor come in and teach us about neuroscience. Specifically, how attention works. That was one of my favourite parts. We went back to the main lobby and had lunch. They prepared models and pictures of brains in the foyer for us to mess with.

They then split us into school groups (I went with the students from Scotch Oakburn) where we got to tour the lab. There we got to see the inner workings of neuroscience research. We talked to lots of different scientists and saw some of the lab equipment. Some scientists were working on researching Multiple Sclerosis, and some on strokes. We got to ask questions while they explained what they were researching. The guy taking our group on tour was new to the lab, and he got lost trying to get us back to the lobby. It was a fun and interesting experience. When we were back, they announced the winners. First third, then second, then first… Which was me! I won a prize of three neuroscience related books picked out by the person managing the competition, and a certificate. Since I won, I get to go interstate to represent Tasmania, which may take place in Sydney. Overall, it was an educational experience, and I got to see and talk to real people working in neuroscience. And I can’t wait to get back to studying for the next round!”