International Brain Bee

The primary goal of the International Brain Bee is to motivate students to learn about the brain and to inspire them to pursue careers in neuroscience so they can help treat and find cures for brain disorders. It was founded in 1998 by Dr. Norbert Myslinski of the University of Maryland in response to the growing incidence rates of neurological diseases. In his words, “The purpose of the IBB is to motivate young men and women to learn about the human brain and to inspire them to enter careers in research and clinical brain sciences. The world needs future clinicians and researchers to treat and find cures for thousands of neurological and psychological disorders.”

In 2018, IBRO was delighted to be a part of the formal establishment of the IBB as a non-profit educational organization incorporated in the U.S. This milestone event was made possible through a partnership and funding commitment from five founding organizations: the American Psychological Association (APA), the Dana Foundation, the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), IBRO and the Society for Neuroscience (SfN). The Alzheimer’s Association joined as a new Governing Partner in 2021.

Upcoming championships

The 2024 championship will be held virtually in conjunction with Neuroscience 2024 (the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience – SfN) in Chicago, US, on 5-9 October 2024. Further information can be found on the IBB’s website.

Congratulations to the past International Champions!

2023: Chun Hei Tai, HONG KONG

2022: Helene Li, CANADA

2021: Viktoriia Vydzhak, UKRAINE, and Rahil Patel, UNITED STATES

2020: Cancelled due to COVID-19

2019: Yidou (Gwen) Weng, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, CHINA

2018: Piotr Oleksy, Liceum Ogółnokształcące High School, Cracow, POLAND