Ryan Fan crowned ACT Brain Bee winner
Ryan Fan (center) with Professor John Bekkers (right) and his teacher Germa Maher at the John Curtin School of Medical Research. Photo: Kassapa Senarath/JCSMR Communications
Ryan Fan, Year 10 student from Burgmann Anglican School, emerged as the winner of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Brain Bee Challenge, held last week at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR).
Ryan's outstanding performance earned him the honour of representing the ACT at the Australian and New Zealand finals in Perth this December. Clarissa O’Keeffe, also from Burgmann Anglican School, secured the runner-up position in the competition.
The Australian Brain Bee Challenge (ABBC) is an esteemed neuroscience competition for high school students, organised by the Australasian Neuroscience Society. The ACT competition is hosted annually at the Eccles Institute of Neuroscience within JCSMR, supported by the Australian National University (ANU).
Professor John Bekkers, Division Head of Neuroscience at JCSMR, moderated the ACT Finals. He emphasised the significance of engaging young students in such competitions, highlighting the role of JCSMR and the Eccles Institute in inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Participants in the competition faced both individual and team challenges, and were given the unique opportunity to tour JCSMR laboratories, guided by research scientists and PhD students. This hands-on experience offered valuable insights into the world of neuroscience research.
The Brain Bee Challenge has gained popularity among high school students due to its engaging and educational format. It not only provides a fun and competitive way for students to learn about the brain and its functions but also introduces them to research and career opportunities in neuroscience. Moreover, the competition helps to dispel misconceptions surrounding neurological and mental health issues.
Launched in 2006, the Brain Bee Challenge was created to address public misconceptions about science, particularly neuroscience. The ABBC aims to provide accurate, up-to-date information on neuroscience research and its societal value, while also promoting careers in science and technology. By leading the ACT rounds of this competition, JCSMR and the Eccles Institute of Neuroscience continue to inspire young minds in the ACT to pursue careers in neuroscience and medical research.
