About the olympiad

 

JOIN THE BRAIN OLYMPIAD!

Are you in high school and have you always wanted to know how your brain works? Then sign up for the 6th edition of the Dutch Brain Olympiad, on Sunday March 16th, 2025. You will receive a study guide (in English) full of interesting knowledge from which you can learn everything about the brain, like:

  • How do we move, talk, see?
  • Which substances are important for attention, memory or learning?
  • Which brain diseases threaten our brains?

The Dutch Brain Olympiad is part of the International Brain Bee, the international brain competition with participants from more than 50 countries. In 2019, the 1st edition of the Dutch Brain Olympiad took place at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior at Radboud University Nijmegen. Participants answered different types of questions about the brain: knowledge questions, anatomy of the brain, and also the diagnosis of patients was discussed! The winner was selected in an exciting live Q&A final. In addition, there were stands where young researchers in neuroscience explained what is so fascinating about their own research.

Will you become a brain expert? Join the Brain Olympiad and have a chance to experience the world of brain research at a scientific conference on the brain. The winner of the Dutch Brain Olympiad 2024 will have the opportunity to represent the Netherlands in the International Brain Bee competition, which will be virtually held during the annual conference of ‘The Society for Neuroscience’ (San Diego, CA, November 15-19, 2025).

WHO CAN REGISTER?

Secondary school students can participate in the Brain Olympiad. Brain scientists have all kinds of different backgrounds: biology, psychology, physics or computer science for example. That is why there is not one exam profile that is best suited for participants. As a student, you can therefore simply register, regardless of your profile. Because the study material is about biology, physics and mathematics, we think that students of 4 and 5 VWO and 4 HAVO with profiles nature & technology (with biology) and nature & health (with physics) have good prior knowledge. Final exam candidates are of course also welcome!

PRACTICAL & DEADLINES

The Brain Olympiad will take place in-person on Sunday March 16th, 2025 in Nijmegen. 

Depending on the enthusiasm among participants, joint transport will be arranged from various places in the Netherlands.

Click here to register!

Registration: December 1st 2024 till February 16th 2025
National Finals 2025: March 16th, 2025
IBB world championship: November, 2025