Young Science Enthusiasts Compete at German Neuroscience Olympiad 

On June 14, the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt hosted the national final of the German Neuroscience Olympiad (DNO), marking the 15th anniversary of this unique neuroscience competition. Talented young participants from schools across Germany came together to demonstrate their knowledge of the brain in a series of challenging contests.

Founded in 2011 in Heidelberg, the DNO has grown from a local initiative into a nationwide event with three regional competitions and a national final — this year attracting a record of over 250 registrations. Open to students of all ages and backgrounds, the Olympiad offers young minds the opportunity to test their knowledge, connect with peers, and learn from experts in the field.

The competition included four disciplines, such as patient diagnosis and neuroanatomy. Based on their combined results, the top ten participants advanced to a live podium round judged by a panel of three neuroscientists: Dr. Hermann Cuntz (group leader at the Ernst Strüngmann Institute, ESI), Dr. Jean Laurens (research group leader at ESI), and Dr. Ashley Bourke (postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research).

“I was very impressed by the passion those children have for science. The questions were really hard and they were answering them very accurately,” reflected Dr. Jean Laurens.

Dr. Bourke, who had previously volunteered at the DNO, noted the high proportion of female finalists in recent years: “For me, judging goes beyond fair assessment of knowledge and skills. It’s also about presence—being a visible role model, offering support, and helping foster a sense of belonging and excitement in the next generation of neuroscientists.”

This year’s national winner, Lina Duppe from Heidelberg, will represent Germany at the International Brain Bee (IBB), held virtually during the Society for Neuroscience Conference in San Diego in November 2025.

Text: Lisa Spänig