First Pavlov State Medical University, St.-Petersburg

The 8th St.-Petersburg Brain Awareness Week “Power of Genes” provided cutting-edge knowledge about influence of genes on the characteristics of brain. On the basis of modern scientific data the following issues were discussed: the impact of genome vs environmental factors on individuality of brain (Day 1), the degree of genes’ contribution to a variety of psychological and psychophysiological traits (Days 2, 4), genetic causes of brain diseases, and genetically determined ways of treatment of mental disorders (Day 5). Lectures “University Saturday for schoolchildren” (Day 6) covered aspects of the main BAW topic that were important for school audience. Given by young scientists and physicians, the talks “University Saturday” were as follows: “What genes can say about how we talk”, “Individual differences in working memory: genetics and parenting”, “Secrets of happy career: genetic roots of your talent”, “Hereditary brain disorders”, and “Schizophrenia and genes”. Since BAW’21 was held in a remote format, we diversified the lectures and workshops by virtual tours to research laboratories (Day 3) and museum brain exhibitions (Day 7). After BAW we received a lot of warm words in feedback questionnaires. The archive and video-records of events are available at brainweekspb.org and BrainWeekSPb YouTube channel. Post-release articles are published in newspapers “Pulse”, “Psychological newspaper”, and “Herald of High School”. The main objectives of BAW “Power of Genes” – to discuss how brain work is influenced by genome, to inform on genetics advances in treatment of brain diseases, to inspire people by completely new knowledge about brain obtained through genetics – have been achieved.

Up to 800 listeners connected to remote BAW events daily. The lectures of “University Saturday” were virtually attended by about 300 schoolchildren. The possibility of remote participation allowed us to attract more listeners from the general public, and, unexpectedly, from cities other than St. Petersburg. We received intensive warm feedback from other cities about the unique opportunity of his year to participate (and win prizes after quizzes!) in such kind of event.

Virtual lectures can be pre-recorded. But in this case, it is still necessary to supplement them with live communication with the lecturer in the form of answers to questions after the lecture.