News & Insights
2026 Brain Awareness Week Grants Announced
Every year, hundreds of organizers plan engaging events and outreach activities to share neuroscience with the public and help people to see how brain science plays a role in their daily lives. This global campaign—Brain Awareness Week—is a collective effort that fosters an enthusiasm for brain science while also encouraging scientists and educators to interact with and learn from their communities.
With support from the Dana Foundation, the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and the Federation for European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) each open calls for grant applications from Brain Awareness Week organizers annually. Recently, IBRO and FENS announced the recipients of these grants, which will be used to support activities such as brain fairs, contests, workshops, educational panels, and more across the world.
IBRO supports outreach and engagement activities in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the US/Canada, and this year, the organization will distribute USD 119,402 across 99 grants in 44 countries. The array of projects supported include The Story of a Resilient Brain initiative in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Led by The Excellent Study, this initiative entails coloring, storytelling, content creation, and infographic challenges, as well as a brain fair and guided reflection sessions. An initiative in Ibadan, Nigeria, and led by Matermental, in partnership with Sane Drive and the Adolescent Health and Wellness Foundation, will strengthen local knowledge about brain science and addiction, and share methods surrounding prevention, early intervention, and community healing. These projects reflect IBRO’s commitment to advancing community-centered brain science education and fostering meaningful engagement globally.
A 2025 Brain Awareness Week workshop held by the University of Botswana School of Nursing, which educated students on the significance of maintaining a healthy brain and mind.
A 2025 Brain Awareness Week activity in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where children were taught about the brain through art, games, and hands-on activities.
FENS, which awards grants to European countries, announced 32 grants to 19 countries, totaling EUR 29,240. A wide range of projects will be supported through these grants. The University of Muenster will travel to rural communities in Asturias, Spain, to host hands-on workshops for children and teenagers. In Bulgaria, the Association for Stroke and Aphasia will bring an interactive traveling exhibition on the human brain to schools. Other funded projects explore topics such as artificial intelligence, stress, and neuroscience through art and technology, highlighting the breadth and creativity of brain science outreach efforts taking place across Europe.
A 2025 Brain Awareness Week event at the National College of Ireland where people learned about brain health, stigma, and solutions.
A 2025 Brain Awareness Week activity at the Nencki Institute in Warsaw, Poland.
Anyone with a passion for sharing neuroscience can organize a Brain Awareness Week event in their community. This grassroots campaign thrives on individual initiative, and provides a wonderful opportunity to practice public engagement, integral to encouraging interest, appreciation, and trust in science.
There are many resources available for organizers. BrainFacts.org is a rich source of brain science information, and includes specific resources for Neuroscience in Society, and LabxChange houses a collection over 500 neuroscience-related videos, information sheets, and quizzes. The Dana Foundation also offers educational resources as well as a Brain Awareness Week Social Media Toolkit, which is free to download and use across your social media platforms.
Brain Awareness Week will take place from March 16-22, 2026. For more information, visit the FAQ section on the Brain Awareness Week homepage, or visit the campaign’s Instagram and Facebook pages for updates, resources, and more.
