© DR
The brain is one of the most mysterious organs in the human body. Many professionals dedicate their careers to studying it, seeking answers to questions that remain open in neuroscience. But how exactly is the brain studied? And why is it so important to continue exploring it? The University of Coimbra (UC) launched the Brain Gain – Exploring Neuroscience project to provide answers to these and other questions.
© DR
© DR
The project was established in 2020 within the Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of the University of Coimbra (CNC-UC). This science education and communication initiative brings together students, researchers, and faculty with the mission of making neuroscience accessible to diverse audiences, particularly secondary and higher education students. Throughout the year, the Brain Gain team—comprising UC researchers, faculty, and students—organises a variety of activities to show how fascinating exploring the brain can be.
When was Brain Gain created and by whom?
The Brain Gain – Exploring Neuroscience project was founded in 2020 by Catarina Seabra, a neuroscientist and researcher at CNC-UC, and Mariana Laranjo, a neuroscientist and doctoral student in the Experimental Biology and Biomedicine programme at the Interdisciplinary Research Institute (III-UC) and CNC-UC.
Why was the project launched?
Brain Gain was created to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and those who produce it—and the wider community. It aims to promote neuroscience among secondary and higher education students, providing open access to scientific education and highlighting career paths and research projects in neuroscience conducted in Portugal and abroad.
What is the project’s main objective?
The mission of Brain Gain is to democratise access to neuroscience research, highlight excellent research conducted in Portugal, inspire young people to pursue scientific careers, and develop accessible educational resources on neuroscience.
Who is part of the team?
Brain Gain is an interdisciplinary project, bringing together professionals and students from various UC faculties and other higher education institutions. The team includes faculty, researchers, master’s and doctoral students, science communicators, and illustrators from several UC research centres, including CNC-UC (Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology), the Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention, Interdisciplinary Studies Centre, and the Centre for Social Studies (CES). The project is supported by the Portuguese Society for Neuroscience, the International Brain Research Organisation, the Biochemical Society, and the European Society for Clinical Investigation.
What types of activities does Brain Gain develop and who are they aimed at?
Brain Gain delivers activities in scientific outreach, training, and education, mainly targeting secondary and higher education students. These include free online events that showcase different career paths in neuroscience.
Brain Gain Online: An annual event marking International Brain Week, bringing together neuroscience and science communication professionals conducting research in Portugal and abroad. Participants share their work and professional experiences through presentations, debates, and interactive sessions. Sessions are later made freely available as podcasts.
The Brain Challenge: A pitch competition where students present scientific discoveries that inspire them, in collaboration with the Portuguese Society for Neuroscience. Participants receive workshops on science communication, video editing, and figure design to support the development of their presentations.
International Workshop on Science Communication and Careers in Neuroscience: This activity focuses on practical sessions to develop skills in science communication, illustration design, pitch creation, and video editing.
Book: Neuro…What? A Guide to Careers in Neuroscience: This book, available in print and digital formats, presents professional pathways in neuroscience. The digital version is accessible here.
How can I get involved in neuroscience and the Brain Gain project?
Anyone interested in participating in Brain Gain can contact the team via braingain.neuro@gmail.com, explaining how they could contribute to the project.
What impact has the initiative had so far?
The impact has been very positive. Over 1,200 secondary and higher education students have participated in Brain Gain activities, along with more than 70 scientists and professionals from over eight countries who have joined workshops and talks.
Where can I follow Brain Gain activities and find more information?
Brain Gain can be followed via the official website and on Instagram.
Content Production and Editing: Catarina Ribeiro, DCM
Translation: Diana Taborda, DCM