Queensland’s Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Mr Rod Welford will officially open the state finals of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge at The University of Queensland on Tuesday, June 24.
In a brain-challenging series of quizzes, more than 100 of Queensland’s brightest grade elevens will flex their neuroscience knowledge at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), competing for microscopes and the chance to represent the state at national finals in August.
Coordinated by QBI neuroscientists and UQ’s Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, the event attracted more than 9000 enrolments around the country this year and helps to increase brain awareness among young people – and their knowledge of the significance of neuroscience.
The top three state finalists in the team competition receive microscopes for their schools from Zeiss Australasia, and winner of the individual final progresses to the national round in August, where students will be competing for the opportunity to win a trip to America in 2009 to compete at the International Brain Bee Challenge.
Australian Brain Bee Challenge coordinator Associate Professor Linda Richards said it was important to remember that doctors rely on fundamental research in neuroscience to treat neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
“The Australian community faces a growing number of citizens with debilitating neurodegenerative diseases and mental illnesses and it’s important that we encourage the next generation of neuroscientists to tackle these problems,” Dr Richards said.
“Only through fundamental research will we be able to develop the much-needed therapeutic treatments the community urgently needs for these conditions.”
As the competition is being held for the first time in the newly-built Queensland Brain Institute, this year’s finalists will be able to view state-of-the art facilities in one of Australia’s top research institutes.
Dr Richards said the enthusiasm of both teachers and students had seen enrolments in the Brain Bee Challenge dramatically increase this year.
“It’s not only a wonderful opportunity for young people to compete, QBI also ensures every student gains an insight into what it’s like to be a research scientist.”
“For many students, this is their first look inside a research laboratory, so we introduce them to some of the many advanced technologies used in neuroscience and give them a snap-shot of what it’s like to be a scientist,” Dr Richards said.
QBI neuroscientists study the fundamental mechanisms that regulate brain function, working towards development of treatments for dementia, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Motor Neuron Disease, brain/spinal cord injury, schizophrenia and depression.
The Queensland State final of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge will be officially opened by the Honourable Rod Welford in his capacity as Minister for Education and Training on Tuesday, June 24 at 9 am.
The competition continues throughout the day and features a special lecture by QBI’s Foundation Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience, Professor Jason Mattingley, who will present “What can neuroscience tell us about the nature of conscious experience?” from 1.00 to 1.30 pm.
Prize presentation and closing remarks will be held from 4.30 pm.
Associate Professor Linda Richards is available for interviews. Media enquiries welcome.
For more information please call QBI communications (07) 3346 6414
Queensland schools competing in the ABBC finals
WHERE AND WHEN
Tuesday, 24 June from 9am
Queensland Brain Institute,
Level 7,
Upland Road, St Lucia.
TEAM COMPETITION ENTRIES
A. B. Paterson College
Alexandra Hills State High School
Anglican Church Grammar School
Bundamba State Secondary School
Canterbury College
Kelvin Grove State College
Kingaroy State High School
Mareeba State High School
North Lakes State College
Northside Christian College
Pine Rivers State High School
Proserpine State High School
Qld Academy for Science, Mathematics and Tech
Redlands College
Saint Paul’s School
St George State High School
St Margaret Mary’s College
The Rockhampton Grammar School
Westside Christian College
INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION ENTRIES
A. B. Paterson College
Alexandra Hills State High
Anglican Church Grammar School
Bundamba State Secondary School
Canterbury College
Clayfield College
Ipswich Grammar School
Kelvin Grove State College
Kilcoy State High School
Kingaroy State High School
Kirwan State High School
Mareeba State High School
Mount Alvernia College
North Lakes State College
Northside Christian College
Pine Rivers State High School
Proserpine State High School
Qld Academy for Science Mathematics and Tech
Redeemer Lutheran College
Redlands College
Saint Paul’s School
Somerset College
St George State High School
St Margaret Mary’s College
St Mary’s College
The Kooralbyn International School
The Rockhampton Grammar School
Westside Christian College
