Associazione Adamas Scienza

“Mind journeys” was an event organized in the context of the “Brain Awareness Week” in order to promote interest and knowledge of neuroscience research. The event was addressed to university and school students, thus launching an initiative that directly connects the world of education and the world of research, particularly in the field of neuroscience. The aim of the event was to: – respond to the educational needs of updating and promoting the scientific culture and the teaching of Life Sciences; – create a sustainable network to link higher education to the academic world, also in view of an effective career orientation activity; – provide opportunities for university students to interact with the general public and to test their skills in scientific communication. The hallmarks of the event were: – a round table with experts in neuroscience, social psychology and A.I., followed by an open debate about neuroscience related issues (artificial intelligence, memory and cognition); – an open exhibit where university students interacted with the audience proposing simple neuroscience experiments – the final debate of project “PASS (Promoting Awareness of Science in School – http://adamascienza.com/en/pass-promoting-awareness-of-science-in-school/), where the students involved in the project discussed about topics of Neuromarketing and Smart Drugs; – a students-driven installation where the students involved in the project “Be Scientist!” (http://adamascienza.com/en/be-scientist/) had a relevant role in presenting their videos to other students and to the participating audience.

The science debates raised many socially relevant neuroscience issues, that have been further addressed by the participating experts. The event has been an important occasion to create a sustainable network linking higher education to the academic world, also in view of an effective career orientation activity. Students and teachers benefited from the event as it provided a unique occasion to discuss about neuroscience research.