Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Brain Biochemistry

Due to the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological state, we had to postpone our event and change its form as well. The event for kids originally planned in March as part of the Brain Awareness Week 2020 took place on October 21, 2020 in a remote form. We recorded theoretical neuroscience mini-lectures (5 items) and four workshops, and the multimedia presentations were provided via YouTube channel. The youngest and older participants were able to learn about the issues related to the anatomical structure and functioning of our senses. They learned how the brain perceives the surrounding world and how it may respond to incoming stimuli. They acquired the knowledge about a sensory-motor interaction and got insights into the neural mechanisms and circuits. Due to the changed form of the workshop into a virtual one and the inability to organize the planned stationary competitions, an art competition for children was held, entitled: “We explore the world with our senses, so it’s time to get to know our senses”. Pictures of all submitted works were combined into one poster that has been placed on the website of Brain Awareness Week. The winners also received book prizes and small gadgets. I believe our efforts were successful as we have got a lot of positive feedback from the kids, their parents and teachers about the activity. This one-day program was watched by Internet users from Poland, Austria, Norway, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the USA. For next year we would like to expand to having seminars and demonstrations during BAW for Middle High School students.

I believe the event increased the profile and awareness of all the affiliated institutions and people involved. We got a great feedback from school teachers hearing about the BAW for the first time.

Social media are the most effective way to advertise events; for online events, some interactive element – e.g. a Q&A – is essential