How researchers are getting young people interested in neuroscience

Researchers shared their knowledge on brains at a fair in Halifax on Thursday.

Important research is being done in Halifax when it comes to brain and spinal health.

To highlight that work, research was taken from the lab and transformed into hands-on experiments to bring neuroscience to people of all ages.

“When we increase engagement, it really helps bring awareness to the diseases that we’re working on, and it helps us bring in funding so that we can actually work on treating these diseases,” said researcher Tyler Wells.

The Brain Repair Centre, based out of Dalhousie University, held a Brain Fair Thursday featuring work from a variety of labs.

“My research particularly focuses on the traumatic brain injury, and specifically, the reasons why some individuals tend to recover from traumatic brain injury relatively easily, while some individuals may develop long-term complications,” said researcher Jamil Muradov.

Researchers had the opportunity to share their knowledge in an effort to inspire the next generation of scientists.

“I think emphasizing the importance of science and education and knowledge is really important now more than ever,” said researcher Colin MacKay.

Twelve-year-old Carter MacNeil may one day follow in their footsteps.

“I’m learning a lot of the stuff that I just guessed about and it’s really cool,” he said.

The Brain Research Centre said this fair is a way to pull back the curtain on its brain and spinal-related research.

“Our funding actually comes from governments and philanthropy organizations, and I think it’s important that we tell them what we’re doing. We have to be accountable for tax dollars and this is a great way of doing it,” said director Victor Rafuse.

“It also lets people know that there’s really good science and research going on in their own backyard here in Nova Scotia.”

For those who may be interested in getting into the field, researchers say don’t be intimidated.

“One thing people should know about research is you don’t have to be the straight A+ student to get in,” said researcher Hannah Reid.

“You have to be interested, and you have to be good at problem solving, and if you like it, you’re going to do well in it.”

The Brain Fair was held as part of Brain Awareness Week which runs from March 10 to 14.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page