We’re thrilled to introduce ‘Bring Your Own Brain’, an exciting public programme curated by Dr Kathy Ruddy (Queen's University Belfast). 

Discover a fantastic programme of events, activities and experiences taking place across Belfast in the lead-up to and throughout the BNA2027 International Festival of Neuroscience. From thought-provoking talks and interactive activities to opportunities to explore the fascinating world of the brain, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Come along, get involved and bring your brain!
Events are in development and live updates will be posted here in the coming weeks:

  1. Newcastle Community Cinema- ‘Still Alice’ movie screening preceded by a research talk Friday 16th April.

  2. Banbridge Community Cinema - ‘I am Human’ documentary screening preceded by a talk about Brain Computer Interfaces by Dr Kathy Ruddy - Thursday 25th March - 6.30pm 

  3. NeuroRun – On the morning before the conference begins, Dr Andrew Monaghan (Multi Award winning cross country runner and Queen’s University Belfast neuroscientist) will lead keen runners on a gentle 5k around the greater Belfast area to take in the sights. Monday 26th April. 

  4. All of April 2027. BRAIN LAB: Bring Your Brain. 

  5. Prof. Tara Spires-Jones; Public lecture. 

  6. “The Science of Sleep and Dreaming” Public Lecture, Dr. Kathy Ruddy. 

  7. ‘Digital Mirror’ Workshop for kids 8+  with Dr. John Butler, How Art, Neuroscience and Maths combine. Understanding how face recognition software works. Drawing happy and sad faces and looking at encoding of the faces and their emotions. 

  8. ‘Digital Mirror’ Workshop for secondary school pupils.  Dr. John Butler, How Art, Neuroscience and Maths combine. How do ‘Deep Fakes’ work? 

  9. Decision Making Neurons and AI. Public talk. Dr. John Butler explains in interactive discussion how the brain comes to making decisions.

  10. Belfast Cocktail Week.

  11. Neuro-Walk.