Brain Bee

The International Brain Bee is the largest worldwide neuroscience competition for teenagers.

Divided into local, regional, national, and international levels of competition, the Brain Bee tests students' academic knowledge of neuroscience, as well as their neuroscientific skills via neuroanatomical, neurohistological, MRI, and patient diagnosis applications. Similar in format to a traditional spelling bee, it is open to anyone aged 13-19, regardless of their academic standing.

Each year, approximately 40 students from area schools compete against their peers in the Albany Regional Brain Bee for the chance to attend the USA National Brain Bee Championship.

Held annually in late February or early March and hosted by the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics since 2016, the Albany Regional Brain Bee offers students the opportunity to learn about the brain and its vital functions, and to meet and network with other students interested in neuroscience, as well as neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroscientists.

By encouraging students to engage with their peers and pursue these interests, we hope to facilitate lasting professional relationships. Many have also shadowed researchers in Albany Medical College's labs and clinicians in Albany Medical Center as a result of their participation in the Brain Bee competition.

Registration is open! The next Brain Bee will be held March 1, 2025.