Bristol Neuroscientists host brain workshops

Bristol University neuroscientist, Dr Sara Baker with pupils at the workshop.

Press release issued: 11 February 2009

Around 100 local pupils will have the chance to take part in some really ‘brainy’ activities this week at a series of interactive workshops, hosted by Bristol University neuroscientists, to help them discover more about the science of the brain.

The pupils, aged between seven-to-11, from Primary Bridge Learning Campus in Hartcliffe, will undertake an exploration into nerve cells (neurons) and the nervous system by using a mixture of art and science to create brain-based works of art. Their creations will be on display in Bristol’s At-Bristol from 2 to 27 March.

Dr Sara Baker, a neuroscientist from the University’s Department of Experimental Psychology, said: “As a researcher in cognitive development I was very pleased to participate in the Brain Awareness Week school workshop. Helping children discover the magic of science first-hand is a unique experience. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, myself, the classroom teachers or the children!"

The workshops have been devised in collaboration with artist, scientist and educator Dr Lizzie Burns who will also be running some of the workshops. All the events marking Brain Awareness Week in Bristol 2009 take place thanks to the partnership of principal sponsor, The Physiological Society, with support from Research Councils UK (RCUK), MRC, At-Bristol, and UWE.

The workshop is part of a programme of events, taking place in and around Brain Awareness Week [18 to 22 March 2009], helping neuroscientists celebrate the brain with the people of Bristol. The full programme of both children and adult activities is available at Bristol Neuroscience website.

Further information

About Bristol Neuroscience (BN) Neuroscience is one of the key areas of research at the University of Bristol. Furthermore, the city of Bristol has one of the largest concentrations of researchers engaged in neuroscience in the UK, many of whom are internationally recognised. In 2003 Bristol Neuroscience (BN) was established to enable all neuroscientists working in Bristol – both within the University and its partner hospitals across the city – to make full use of all available resources and expertise. BN runs numerous activities to encourage the dissemination of ideas, to create opportunities for interdisciplinary research, and to facilitate the pursuit of neuroscience to the highest possible standard.

Please contact Anne Cooke for further information.