Bringing neuroscience closer to young people in Sweden

At "Life Science Day in Flemingsberg", south of Stockholm, around 200 students aged 12–15 visited the Novum research park. At the NeurotechEU neuroscience station, students learned how neurons communicate, examined neurons under a microscope and experimented with how electrical signals from their own muscles can be used to move a mechanical claw or control another person’s movements.

Life science day demos and hands-on activities at the NeurotechEU station. Photo: Emma Hägg

Researchers’ Friday 

A week later, NeurotechEU participated in "Researchers’ Friday" at AlbaNova University Centre in Stockholm, where around 2,000 upper secondary school students took part in hands-on activities and met researchers. Students visiting the science station could examine neurons under a microscope, experiment with muscle-controlled technology and test their precision and speed in a pipetting competition.

Researchers’ Friday is part of the European Researchers’ Night initiative, which brings research closer to the public through activities across Europe.

Through activities like these, NeurotechEU and its partner universities can make neuroscience more accessible beyond the academic community. Giving young people opportunities to meet researchers, ask questions and experience science first-hand is an important part of creating curiosity about neuroscience and the research and technologies shaping its future.