What is Brain Awareness Week? 

Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is an inspirational global campaign that unites those who share an interest in elevating public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain and nervous system research.

BAW focuses international attention on the field of neuroscience and offers opportunities for teachers and students to engage in fun educational activities. From dynamic classroom presentations and laboratory tours to enlightening museum exhibits and public lectures, BAW activities...

• Inspire the next generation of scientists  
• Contribute to general understanding of basic brain functions
• Improve public health by expanding awareness of neurological disorders
• Make the connection between increased support for biomedical research and benefits to public health

While BAW takes place each year in March, neuroscience education and outreach is encouraged year-round. Navigate SfN's resources to learn more about the campaign and to assist in the planning of a new activity.

SfN proudly partners with The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives who launched BAW in 1996. The worldwide coalition of BAW partners now includes more than 2,000 universities, K-12 schools, hospitals, patient groups, museums, government agencies, service organizations, and professional associations.

News and Announcements

Neuroscience Outreach Featured in The Journal of Neuroscience

An inspirational commentary about the significance of neuroscience education and outreach with teachers was recently published in The Journal of Neuroscience by the 2009 SfN Science Educator Award recipient, Janet Dubinsky (University of Minnesota). The article is titled “Neuroscience Education for Prekindergarten–12 Teachers” and may be accessed for free from the JN Web site 

Hands-On Neuroscience Activities for the Classroom

Exemplary hands-on presentations were shared with science teachers from around the country at the 2010 National Science Teachers Association's conference in Philadelphia this past March during BAW. SfN sponsored two workshops to provide teachers with ways to use Neuroscience Core Concepts and Neuromyth Busters. The PowerPoint slides from those workshops and the accompanying hands-on activities are available for download:
» Neuroscience Core Concepts Slides and Neuroscience Core Concepts Hands-On Activities
» Neuromyth Busters Slides and Neuromyth Busters Hands-On Activities

BAW 2010 Success Stories: Call for Photos

SfN is now accepting photo submissions from successful BAW events. Photos depicting neuroscientists in action, and students, teachers, and the general public engaged in hands-on activities are valuable to the Society in its efforts to promote BAW.
      • Please send high-resolution digital photos and photo captions to baw@sfn.org.

The BAW Campaign Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary

In celebration of the 15th anniversary of BAW, the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives is offering a new promotional flyer about the campaign to share with diverse audiences.
» Download the flyer (PDF)

Join the Brain Awareness Week Mailing List

Get on the Brain Awareness Week mailing list to receive Brain Awareness Headlines, SfN's education and outreach quarterly newsletter.
» Join the mailing list