University of Padua

In order to mark the Brain Awareness Week 2018, academic staff and researchers of the Departments of Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology and Socialization, General Psychology and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Padua (Italy) held a public event entitled the 9th edition of ‘Brain Awareness Week: Young Researchers discuss Neuroscience’ on March 13th-14th in the Palazzo Bo (University of Padua). Scientists, secondary school and university students, as well as citizens from Padua city and nearby towns had the opportunity to familiarize and learn more about the human brain and how the nervous system works. The two-day meeting consisted of eight excellent researchers that presented and discussed numerous and diverse neuroscience topics, ranging from human brain activity, neuronal interaction to brain-related diseases, including neurodegenerative and psychological disorders. In addition, visitors had the chance to directly interact with scientists during a post-event fundraising bake sale, giving the opportunity to the public to actively learn more about the different issues and, at the same time, raise money for the Epilepsy Italian Association of Padua (AICE). The event was advertised using several media sources (online, local and regional), including the University Press release, Padua City Council, Hospitals, Schools, TV Padua News and newspapers. The meeting was not just an occasion for academic staff from different departments of the University to convene and become aware of recent studies and discoveries on the Neuroscience world, but also allow the lay public appreciate neuroscientists’ efforts in research and arousing secondary school students’ interest on the topic for their further college studies.

Public awareness on our scientific work and the importance to sustain and contribute to reseach