The MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit was delighted to once again host stakeholders from local state-funded schools for its annual Schools Open Day, held this year on 27th March.

Unit staff and students welcomed pupils and teachers as they visited to learn more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and medical research at the Unit. The Open Day started with a showing of “The Symphony of the Brain” video to familiarise visitors with the Unit’s research. Some of the Unit’s early-career researchers then talked about their experiences of working in STEM, highlighting their diverse educational backgrounds and career paths that led them to work at the Unit. This was followed by an interactive discussion of the use of animals in research. After that, the pupils rotated in small groups through different hands-on activities led by more of the Unit’s early-career researchers. Special emphasis was placed on giving pupils the opportunity to see real working instruments and laboratories for themselves. Engagement activities were coordinated around 4 ‘knowledge stations’, at which pupils could learn more about the Unit’s key research themes, including: the activity and structure of the brain in health and disease; human brain stimulation; computer modelling of brain function; and brain-machine interfaces. The visit ended with a wrap-up session capturing feedback.