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!

  1. Newcastle Community Cinema- ‘Still Alice’ movie screening preceded by a research talk (speaker TBC). 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. Key Contacts- [email protected] and [email protected]   

  4. All of April 2027. BRAIN LAB: Bring Your Brain to W5 

Your brain is the most extraordinary thing you own. But how well do you really know it? This spring, W5 becomes a giant BRAIN LAB, as neuroscientists take over the museum for a very special celebration of the amazing organ inside our heads. Bring the whole family and put your brains to the test through live experiments, interactive challenges, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Can your senses be fooled? How fast can your brain react? Why do we sometimes see things that aren't really there? Can we measure a thought? And can you learn to control what's happening inside your own brain? 

Meet real neuroscientists, discover how scientists study the brain and even become part of the experiment yourself. 

From movement and memory to senses, emotions and brain-computer technology, BRAIN LAB is a playful, hands-on journey into what makes us think, feel, move and experience the world around us. Every brain is different. Bring yours and discover what it can do. 

  1. Prof. Tara Spires-Jones – Public lecture – W5 Theatre (date TBC). 

  2. “The Science of Sleep and Dreaming” Public Lecture, Dr. Kathy Ruddy – W5 Theatre.  

  3. ‘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. 1 hour. Venue W5. 

  4. ‘Digital Mirror’ Workshop for secondary school pupils.  Dr. John Butler, How Art, Neuroscience and Maths combine. How do ‘Deep Fakes’ work? Venue W5. 

  5. Decision Making Neurons and AI. Public talk (evening, adults) Dr. John Butler explains in interactive discussion how the brain comes to making decisions (John and wife+child need hotel in Belfast) Venue W5. 

  6. Belfast Cocktail Week – Sentia brain inspred cocktails (alcohol free). Map will be produced with participating venues across Belfast offering Sentia cocktails.  

  7. Neuro-Walk.