Emma Rees is a 15-year-old student in the Visual Arts Program at Canterbury High School, Ottawa, Canada.

Fascinated by the mystery of the human brain, Emma is passionate about exploring how neuroscience and visual art intersect. Her goal is to pursue a career that bridges these two fields, investigating how artistic perspectives can help us better understand and study the brain.

Alongside her academic and artistic interests, Emma also enjoys Irish dancing and reading. She’s excited to take part in the International Brain Bee and connect with others who share a curiosity for how the brain shapes how we see and experience the world.

Claire is a senior from Northview High School. She is passionate about neuroscience. In her free time she also likes to play clarinet, swim, write, and hang out with her tabby cat named Macie.

Tiffany Yi is a Year 11 student at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Sydney. Her favourite subjects are biology and chemistry.

She is passionate about biology and hopes to study medicine and become a doctor in the future. She is interested in neuroscience because of the complexity and nuances of the brain, and takes a specific interest in neurology and neurological diseases.

In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, reading, writing, and playing badminton. She is honoured to be representing Australia at the International Brain Bee, and hopes to learn a lot during this competition.

Brandi Myderizi will be a first-year student at the Université Paris Cité studying biomedical sciences, after having graduated high school from his hometown of Tirana, Albania.

From a young age, Brandi was fascinated by the living world, expressing his passion in Biology and Chemistry classes. What he finds most impressive is the sheer complexity of how organisms function, from the molecular to the systems scale, with processes so unfathomable they have drawn him to cultivate a keen interest in uncovering scientific truths from the natural world.

This interest has in turn deepened in the field of neuroscience where the breadth of unknowns and abstract notions such as learning and emotion invite him to pursue a future career in neuroscience research.

Josefina Garay Diehl is a 19-year-old Biology undergraduate at the University of Buenos Aires. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong curiosity about the natural world.

As she grew older, she became aware that many of her questions remained unanswered by science, which motivated her to pursue a career in research.

Upon completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to continue her academic journey by pursuing a PhD. Beyond her scientific interests, Josefina is passionate about literature, finding in books a space to explore new perspectives, reflect on the human experience, and deepen her understanding of both herself and others.

Anna is an 18-year-old graduate of Armenia’s Lycée Français Anatole France, who will be pursuing medical studies starting from September 2025 at Université de Montpellier, Faculté de médecine, the world’s oldest operating medical school. An aspiring neurosurgeon, Anna has always had a strong passion for medicine and science. As a child, she would frequently watch videos about the biology of the brain, fascinated by its complexity and uniqueness. This would almost immediately spark her interest in neuroscience, deepened by her victory in Armenia’s National Brain Bee.

Interested in migraines and their pathology, she would later go on to participate in the 2025 Summer Capstone Program organized by the International Youth Neuroscience Association (IYNA), during which she had the opportunity to present her migraine-oriented Capstone Project, a neuroscience research proposal, developing her scientific communication skills.

In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, creating digital illustrations, painting, traveling, journaling, as well as spending time with animals.

Aykhan Bayramli is a 17-year-old student with a strong interest in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. He is currently preparing for his A-Level and AP exams and hopes to study neuroscience at university. Alongside his academics, he enjoys playing basketball, table tennis, and volleyball, which keep him active and teach him the value of teamwork and persistence.

He is also passionate about technology and is developing an iOS app designed to make studying more effective for students, with plans to grow it into a larger project in the future. Music is another creative outlet for him, and he looks forward to releasing his first Turkish single in the future.

Aykhan speaks German, Turkish, Azerbaijani fluently and is now learning Russian. He is motivated, curious, and eager to keep challenging himself both inside and outside the classroom.

Felipe Perpétuo is a 19-years-old student, deeply passionate about the field of neuroscience—a fascination that began with a simple but powerful curiosity: the desire to uncover the secrets of the brain and understand how it truly works. What started as an interest quickly transformed into a journey of discovery. The more he studied, the more he realized that the brain’s complexity far exceeded my initial expectations. Each new concept revealed an intricate network of mechanisms that not only sustain life but also shape thought, memory, emotions, and identity.

This realization turned his curiosity into a lasting dedication. He became captivated not only by the science itself but also by the possibilities it holds for the future—how unraveling these mysteries may lead to profound advancements in medicine, mental health, and human potential. For him, neuroscience is not just a subject of study, but a window into the essence of what makes us human. At this stage in his life, he sees every learning opportunity as a step toward a greater understanding of both science and himself. His hope is to continue exploring this fascinating field, always guided by the same sense of wonder that first inspired him.

Xutang Liang is a high school student from Shenzhen, China. She is eighteen years old and a cheerful, optimistic girl. At the age of sixteen, she happened to meet several friends suffering from varying degrees of mental and psychological disorders—depression, anxiety, mania, hallucinations, and other symptoms tormented them. After hearing their struggles, she became determined to look for scientific ways to help them.

Thus, she began studying neuroscience and grew to love the subject. Her dream is to become a neuroscientist with a deep sense of compassion. She diligently learns the fundamentals of the field, hoping to contribute in her own way to the advancement of research in mental health and neurological disorders in the future.

Elena Weiser is a 17-year-old student from Croatia and is currently in the 11th grade at First Gymnasium Varaždin. With a deep curiosity for science Elena has taken part in multiple STEM-related competitions. Several years in a row she was county champion in Biology and she attended National championships in Biology. Furthermore, Elena is the member of Centre of excellence in Biology for Varaždin and Centre of excellence in Chemistry for Varaždin. She loves working in the lab, especially working with bacteria and doing lots of genetics research. Beyond academics, Elena is passionate about dance. She is a three-time national ballroom dancing champion and has proudly represented Croatia for five years as she was part of Croatian national team. In addition, she is the president of voluntary club, internationally known as Interact and she is dedicated to improve the community and the lives of people in need. In her free time Elena enjoys skiing, traveling, crocheting and video editing. Her hobbies reflect her inventive spirit and attention to detail. Participating in the Brain Bee is for her an interesting challenge, a chance to connect with curious minds worldwide and explore the mysteries of the human brain. With every step she takes whether on the dance floor, in the lab, or leading a team, Elena aims to combine knowledge with compassion and she’s eager to see where this journey leads next.

Abdulaziz Waleed is a 12th-grade student at Obour STEM School. He has always been interested in research and technology; he has picked up many interests along the way, such as programming, astronomy, and, more recently, neuroscience. Abdulaziz’s interest in neuroscience has grown from the fact that he wants to understand how learning, thinking and consciousness happen behind the scenes. He wants to pursue a degree in medicine and be a neurosurgeon.

Aside from neuroscience and studying, Abdulaziz is a web developer, which is one of the interests that actually stuck from a young age. He is also a calisthenics enthusiast and likes how he knows the motor learning mechanisms involved in it. Abdulaziz dreams to contribute a great deal to neuroscience research and leave a mark on the world.

Céline is a 17 years-old student attending Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris where she focuses on mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Her passion for neuroscience stemmed from a strong interest in human anatomy during her childhood. Later on, she grew curious about cognition and philosophy which led her to take part in the national Brain Bee. While preparing for the competition, she found the science of sleep particularly captivating.

In her free time she enjoys playing the piano and the violin, dancing ballet, practicing archery, as well as learning new languages. She also dedicates herself to gaining a deeper understanding of geopolitics as she wishes to better understand the various healthcare systems in the world. As a result, she took part in many MUN conferences in which she enjoys debating within the WHO committee. She also leads the UNICEF club at her high school, aiming to take meaningful action on worldwide humanitarian issues.

In the future she plans to attend medical school with the goal of becoming both a doctor and a researcher.

Lina is a 17-year-old student who attends Riemenschneider Gymnasium in Würzburg, Germany. In addition to school, she has been studying chemistry for two years now at the Julius Maximilian University in Würzburg. She has a passion for emergency medicine and volunteers at the Bavarian Red Cross, where she is currently training to become a paramedic. After graduation she wants to pursue a career in medicine. Through her participation in the German Neuroscience Olympiad, she gained confidence in herself and her knowledge.

In her free time, she enjoys reading all sorts of books and playing the flute in an orchestra. Music is a big part of her life. The combination of traditional brass music and modern symphonic pieces on the one hand and spending time with her friends there on the other hand, are very important to her. She also likes to spend time outdoors, hiking and camping.

Au Chun Hei is a 16-year-old student studying at St. Paul’s Co-educational College in Hong Kong. With a broad range of interests ranging from science to classical music, he has long been fascinated by the human brain, wondering how the mind creates such timeless scientific theorems and musical masterpieces, hence developing a keen interest in neuroscience. Chun Hei is particularly intrigued by the theory behind consciousness and creativity, in particular, how consciousness develops from the complex interactions of neurons, leading to discoveries and innovations. In addition, Chun Hei is also interested in the pathology of the nervous system, aspiring to understand the true causes behind neurological conditions and develop novel treatments. Having gained recognition in regional biology and physics Olympiads as well as international competitions, Chun Hei has accumulated relevant knowledge about human physiology to understand cellular functions, circuits that allow for neuronal communication, and the chemistry behind neurotransmission. He hopes that the knowledge will equip him with the necessary knowledge to delve into the wonders of the nervous system so he can make significant contributions to the field of medicine. In the International Brain Bee, Chun Hei is eager to exchange ideas and share experiences with his peers, hoping to learn from them as he continues his journey in neuroscience.

Áron Pankucsi-Versényi is an 18-year-old student attending Lajos Kossuth high school in Debrecen, Hungary. His favourite subject has been biology since the beginning of high school. He plans to continue his studies at a medical university. He was always interested in the brain and cell biology, so he was eager to participate when he first heard about the IBB competition in class. He thinks it is a great opportunity to discover the field of neuroscience, and he believes that this experience will help him to start his career as either a researcher or as a neurologist.

Shomoita is a 12th-grade student with a strong academic focus on Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Psychology. Her disciplined approach to learning is matched by a deep curiosity about the brain, especially in areas like neuroanatomy, memory architecture, and neurological disorders. She is steadily preparing for a future in neurosurgery. Her journey into neuroscience began with a personal heartbreak, the slow decline of her grandmother due to Alzheimer’s disease. Witnessing this painful transformation sparked a desire to understand the brain’s complexities and the silent battles it holds. What started as sorrow evolved into a purposeful quest: to seek answers that may one day offer healing and hope.

She sees the scalpel not just as a tool, but as a symbol of inquiry, empathy, and care. Beyond academics, Shomoita’s life is enriched by the fine arts. She holds a junior diploma in Bharatanatyam, the classical Indian dance form, and has formal training in Indian classical vocals. These disciplines have nurtured her patience, rhythm, and creative expression qualities that complement her scientific pursuits.To Shomoita, neuroscience is not just a subject, it’s a human journey shaped by memory, emotion, and the enduring hope for change.

Mahsa Alizadeh is an 18-year-old student from Tehran who has recently graduated from high school. Their interest in neuroscience grew out of a curiosity about how the brain shapes thought, memory, and emotion. What began as simple questions slowly became a deeper passion for understanding the nervous system.

Mahsa enjoys learning in different areas. Mathematics has always been one of their favorite subjects because it encourages logical thinking and problem solving. They also enjoy reading literature in English and German, which opens new perspectives and helps them connect ideas through language. For Mahsa, both science and literature are important, each offering its own way of looking at the world.

Music is another source of inspiration in their life. They especially enjoy jazz, which they admire for its rhythm, creativity, and freedom. To them, jazz reflects the brain itself, full of patterns and unexpected turns. In the future, they hope to study medicine and focus on neurology or neuroscience research. They see the Brain Bee as more than a competition. It is an opportunity to learn, to share curiosity, and to connect with others who are passionate about the brain.

Khatia Iremadze, 17, is a dedicated student at the Johanna Jabotinsky Youth Village in Israel with a strong interest in neuroscience and medicine. From a young age, she’s been captivated by the complexity of the human brain and its role in shaping behavior, thought, and health. Her ambition is to become a neurosurgeon, combining scientific knowledge with compassionate care to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This year, Khatia won the national Brain Bee competition held at Tel Aviv University and will proudly represent Israel at the 2025 International Brain Bee. As she prepares for the global event, her curiosity about brain development and neurological disorders continues to deepen.

Outside the classroom, Khatia volunteers with Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service, where she gains hands-on experience in emergency care. She’s also taken part in youth diplomacy and leadership programs, and was recognized as one of the Atid Educational Network’s 12 most outstanding students, receiving the “Signal of the Future” award. Khatia is honored to be part of the International Brain Bee and is looking forward to connecting with fellow students from around the world who share her passion for the brain and its mysteries.

Aurora Maria Amato is a 17-year-old student from Palermo, Italy, who attends a classical high school and is about to begin her final year. Her passion for neuroscience sparked during high school, where she discovered a deep fascination for the brain and its remarkable ability to change, adapt, and store memories — especially through neuroplasticity, the area that captivates her the most. Aurora’s journey in the Italian Brain Bee began in 2024, when she placed second nationally. This experience proved to be a turning point, inspiring her to deepen her knowledge and return even more motivated. In 2025, she won the national phase and is now proud and honored to represent her country at the international competition. In addition to neuroscience, Aurora has a strong passion for physics and literature, both of which continue to influence her way of thinking and learning. She aspires to pursue a career in neuroscience research in the future. Her achievements have gained national recognition; following her 2025 victory, she was interviewed and featured in several newspaper articles. Over the years, she has also received multiple scholarships for excellence in scientific subjects. Aurora sees the International Brain Bee as an exceptional chance to learn, grow, and connect with fellow young enthusiasts who share her passion for neuroscience.

Pak U Chan, a Year 11 student studying in Macau, began his journey into science at the age of 14. Motivated by a spirit of curiosity and exploration, he rapidly developed a strong passion for science, particularly Biology and Chemistry. At the same time, he delved into neuroscience and was amazed by the sophisticated structure of the brain. This sparked his curiosity about the origins of human consciousness and the relationship between the nervous system and the complexity of the human mind. His curiosity was then exaggerated during the preparation for the Brain Bee competition, shaping him into a more logical and creative thinker. In the future, Pak U aims to channel this passion into research in the biochemical field, contributing to its development.

Beyond academics, Pak U values physical fitness. In his free time, he enjoys jogging, which he considers as a relaxing way to maintain fitness and enhance his focus for study. Additionally, he spends time exploring resources on body strengthening and philosophy. The former ensures he stays on track with his physical goals, while the latter deepens his understanding of human consciousness, and eventually makes him closer to his ultimate goal. Pak U takes great pride in representing his school and city on the international stage, and he is committed to making meaningful contributions in both science and personal development.

Wan Umar Iyash bin Wan Zulkifli is currently a 10th-grade student at Pusat PERMATA@Pintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He has consistently demonstrated a strong interest in the workings of the human brain, particularly in the areas of memory, learning, and decision-making. This passion has driven him to actively engage in neuroscience-related experiments, scientific discussions, and collaborative projects that broaden and deepen his understanding of the field.

Beyond neuroscience, Wan Umar has also shown enthusiasm for biology, chemistry, and computational science, disciplines in which he recognizes the potential for meaningful interdisciplinary connections. He is highly motivated by the vision of applying scientific knowledge to address real-world challenges and to contribute towards improving human life.

At Pusat PERMATA@Pintar Negara, UKM, he is well-regarded for his academic diligence, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative spirit. Looking ahead, he aspires to pursue neuroscience at an advanced level and to contribute to research efforts that further expand our understanding of the brain.

Delaila Reyna Martínez is a high school student at Preparatoria La Salle del Pedregal in Mexico City, where she studies under an academic excellence scholarship awarded by the Heraldos de México School. Passionate about biology from a young age, she earned a bronze medal in the Capital City Biology Olympiad (OCaBi) and has recently developed a strong interest in neuroscience.

She participated in a summer research internship at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, where she worked in the genetics laboratory. During the internship, she contributed to a project on the APOE gene and its relation to neurodegenerative diseases. This experience deepened her commitment to pursuing a career in neuroscience research and clinical medicine.

In the future, she hopes to join the PECEM program at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), a combined MD-PhD track designed to train physician-scientists. She is especially drawn to the program’s focus on early research involvement and interdisciplinary biomedical education. Outside of academics, Delaila enjoys reading—particularly science fiction related books—and loves spending time with her dog. She sees neuroscience not just as a field of study, but as a gateway to understanding what makes us human.

Luca is a 11th grade (VWO5) student at Supreme College Nederland, Castricum, Netherlands. He is 16 years old and likes studying the sciences in school, but amongst all, anatomy is his true passion. His love for learning how the human body works was always there, but it was first truly noticed in sixth grade due to his biology teacher’s encouragement. Since then he has taken part in several extracurricular activities to expand his knowledge on this topic, such as biology and chemistry Olympiads, as well as research projects about behavior patterns and the brain’s function.

Due to the brain’s role in creating our understanding of the world and its complex structure, it is the body part that interests Luca the most. He is now taking part in the IBB to develop his knowledge in neuroscience. In his spare time he enjoys swimming, carving, watching movies or working on other projects. Luca aspires to follow a career in the medical field, with the aim of becoming a neurosurgeon. He looks forward to taking part in this year’s IBB and meeting new people in the domain. He is honoured to be present at such an event, through which he can advance his capabilities and represent the Netherlands.

Janie Kim is a 17-year-old student that attends Macleans College in Auckland, New Zealand. Her favourite subjects are mathematics and biology and tutors younger students in these subjects at school. Janie spends her free time reading fantasy novels.

She developed an interest in neuroscience from the fascinating and far-reaching impact the brain has on motor function, cognition, and even personality. This sparked a deep curiosity about the brain’s central role in health and disease; Janie aspires to study medicine in university and actively contribute to caring for patients affected by neurological conditions. She is also passionate about human rights – being part of Amnesty International and UNICEF at her school – particularly advocating for access to health services.

Janie is grateful for the opportunity of participating in the Brain Bee programme, as it was a great learning experience and has played a significant role in shaping her future aspirations and motivations.

Divine Oluchi is a 17-year-old student of Federal government girls college Owerri from an industrious country Nigeria. She is so fascinated by scientific research, opera music, fashion and designing and lots more.

She aspires to be a doctor and specialise as a neurosurgeon. She dreams to get answers and solutions to certain brain problems and discover better ways for man to live. Her good interactive skills make her fit to relate with people.

The complexity of the human inspires her on the tedious work that the brain scientists have to discover,and her goal is to be recorded as the world’s best neuroscientist of her time.

Anabia is a 14-year-old student from Islamabad, Pakistan. She is currently studying in Grade 9 at Siddeeq Public School. Her favorite subjects are Biology and Physics. She is a creative and curious learner who always wants to understand things deeply. If something isn’t clear she asks questions until the concept is understood. She often asks thoughtful questions that show her curiosity.

Her interest in neuroscience began in 8ᵗʰ grade when she first studied the structure of brain and how it controls body functions. This sparked a strong interest in how the brain works. The most captivating part about neuroscience for Anabia is the brain diseases especially degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Outside studies Anabia enjoys art, and actively takes part in community service activities and in other local and international Olympiads. In the future, she hopes to do research in neurobiology so she can contribute to the understanding of brain. Despite being just in 9ᵗʰ grade Anabia was ranked 1st in Pakistan in the National Brain Bee neuroscience competition. Now, she is proudly representing her country in the international round. She is working hard to qualify for the final round so she could get the chance to be judged by Charles Watson.

Rama is a student deeply engaged in a variety of enriching activities outside of her academic studies. Music plays a significant role in her life. She has been playing the piano and the violin since 10 years old, and the experience of performing in numerous concerts has been incredibly rewarding, allowing her to share the passion with others.Connecting with her cultural heritage is also very important to her and she does this through dabke, a traditional folk dance that’s full of energy. Participating in many competitions has been a fantastic way to celebrate this tradition. From a young age of 5, ballet has instilled in her discipline, grace, and dedication to artistic expression. Achieving the British International Ballet exam was a proud moment in her dance journey. Beyond the arts, she is also a dedicated delegate in Model United Nations. Through attending numerous conferences, she has developed invaluable skills in research, debate, and diplomacy. Her intellectual curiosity extends to language learning, and she has successfully completed the A1 and A2 levels of the DELF French exam. Finally, she also enjoys engaging her mind through Neuro-pal, finding the practical challenges and the process of reaching new cognitive levels particularly stimulating where she was a leader. She participated in the First Lego League where her team won First place champions. She also participated in the UCMAS Competition when she was 5 years old .These diverse experiences have shaped me into the person she is today.

Rafał Sawicki is a 17-year-old student studying at III LO im. Marynarki Wojennej RP in Gdynia, Poland. He is passionate about biology and chemistry, especially human anatomy and neuroscience.

From a very young age, he was curious about how the world works and loved to observe nature and animals. In high school Rafał discovered his passion for the human brain and the field of neuroscience. Outside of the classroom he plays volleyball in a team and competes in championships on regional level. Moreover he is also passionate about other sports such as alpine skiing and kitesurfing.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing the piano, doing sports and traveling. Rafał is an ambitious and hard working person, he is thankful for the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage.

Alexandra is a 9th grade student at the National College “Nicolae Bălcescu” in Romania. Drawn to the clarity and logic of the exact sciences, she finds her greatest fascination in biology — and above all, in neuroscience, captivated by the extraordinary complexity and hidden mysteries of the human brain. This passion first took root when studying the nervous system in school, sparking countless questions about how thoughts, emotions, and memories are woven together within us. Since then, she has eagerly explored books, documentaries, and articles on neuroscience, always seeking to deepen her understanding of this remarkable organ that defines who we are. Driven by an eagerness to challenge herself and keep her mind sharp, Alexandra enjoys participating in school competitions across various scientific disciplines. For her, these experiences are not just about testing knowledge, but about continuously expanding it and embracing new ideas. Beyond academics, she is known among her friends as cheerful, determined, and full of thoughtful advice — affectionately called the “mom of the group” for always being ready to help and encourage others. Looking ahead, Alexandra aspires to study medicine and build a career as a doctor, where she hopes to combine her deep interest in the human brain with a lifelong commitment to caring for others. Guided by the belief that “knowledge becomes truly powerful when it is used to help others,” she hopes to dedicate her future to both discovery and compassion, turning her curiosity into meaningful healing.

Narim is a second-year student at Sejong Academy of Science and Arts in South Korea. From an early age, she showed strong interest and talent in mathematics and science. Through her experiences in mathematics, physics, and biology Olympiads, she naturally built her academic foundation and went on to attend a specialized school for gifted students. During middle school, she consistently participated in gifted education programs, and in high school, she gained hands-on experience with EEG devices, which sparked a deep interest in neuroscience within the broader field of biology.

Narim aspires to become an engineer who can make a global impact. Through preparing for and participating in the Brain Bee, she was deeply impressed by the complexity of the human body, the precision of the nervous system, and the wide range of neurological disorders. These experiences allowed her to discover the vastness and appeal of neuroscience, and she is now working to integrate this field into her future goals.

After winning the 2025 Korean Brain Bee, she is honored to participate in the international competition for the first time. She believes this opportunity will be a meaningful step toward achieving her aspirations in science and engineering.

Shih Han Lin, also known as Mina, graduated from National Hsinchu Girls’ Senior High School and is currently a first-year student in psychiatry at Central South University, China.

Since childhood, she has been deeply fascinated by neuroscience, particularly the boundaries between the brain and consciousness, as well as philosophical questions about the mind. By joining IBB, she found a space where her curiosity could thrive.

Mina dreams of pursuing graduate studies abroad in neuroscience and hopes to walk the path of scientific research. Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring new things, including artistic creation, piano, and badminton.

Tanyong is a neuroscience lover. She reads about neuroscience everyday on the sky train ride to school and back home. Neuroscience makes her happy every time she reads about it with new amazing knowledge that comes to her, because the brain is so beautifully structured and so many more to discover.

Being able to access amazing neurology resources are more than granted treasure to her, and to spend her time continuing to learn and dive into the deeper neurology will be the happiness of her life.

With all the knowledge she collected and her passion, she will use it to help her patients and do research in the future that would have a little impact by her into the world that she loves. This would be the meaning of her life with her hard work, passion, and love :).

Asya Irmak Usta is a 17-year-old attending Turk Education Foundation Inanc Turkes Private High School (TEVİTÖL), and soon she will start 12th grade.

Her fascination with neuroscience began when she read a book about the brain. She hopes to study neuroscience in the US, and she plans to conduct research on Alzheimer’s disease upon graduation.

While studying for the national Brain Bee she found out her dad had a high risk of having Alzheimer’s disease. That is why she wants to study it. She enjoys coding in her free time. She loves acting and she is in the theatre club.

I am a 10th-grade student at the Zaporizhzhia boarding school “Cossack Lyceum”, studying in a class with an advanced focus on biology and chemistry. For many years, I have participated in oral mental calculation competitions through the “Miksike” program, representing my country in international tournaments. These experiences taught me discipline, perseverance, and the ability to work under pressure. My main academic interests lie in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. I am deeply fascinated by neuroscience, a passion I discovered several years ago. The complexity and elegance of the human brain inspire me to dream of developing a cure for brain cancer and helping people suffering from neurological diseases. In the future, I aspire to combine my love for science and technology by pursuing a career that bridges biology, medicine, and informatics. Outside of academics, I am actively involved in volunteering, which has helped me develop empathy, leadership skills, and a strong sense of responsibility towards my community. I also enjoy playing the guitar, competing in chess, and writing poetry — activities that balance my analytical thinking with creativity. My journey so far has been shaped by curiosity, determination, and a deep desire to make a meaningful contribution to science and society. I believe that by continuing to challenge myself academically and personally, I can work towards innovative solutions in neuroscience and fulfill my goal of improving people’s lives.

Jasmine is a 17-year-old sixth form student, currently studying at the Tiffin Girls’ school. Her favourite subject is biology because she is fascinated by the intricate processes that sustain life and the interactions of living systems at every level. She has always had a keen interest in the complexity of the human body, enjoying educational shows such as Get Well Soon and Operation Ouch as a child.

Her passion for neuroscience stems from her curiosity in neurological diseases and the fundamental principles underlying brain function (particularly neurotransmission and how it can lead to sensory perception, emotion and conscious awareness).

Outside of her studies, Jasmine enjoys playing netball, tutoring, volunteering and listening to music. She is excited to participate in the International Brain Bee to deepen her understanding of neuroscience and to meet with people all over the world who share her passion for the field. In the future, she hopes to become a medical doctor where she would be able to care for patients in their most vulnerable moments, while also embracing lifelong learning and opportunities in research.

Nguyen Khac Gia Bao grew up in the more bustling part of Ho Chi Minh city. He was by no means well-off, but still he had much accessibility to books and education. When he was 13, he stumbled upon a chemistry book; the book described the various atomic interactions between substances and also covered the basics of chemistry. It may seem unusual, but he was quickly hooked. Bao was turning page after page, marveling at the molecular structures of elements. Unbeknownst to Bao at the time, a spark of a chemist ignited within him.

The catalyst for Bao’s infinite passion in neurology was ninth grade biology. Back then, he went to Tran Dai Nghia School for the gifted, equipped with crème-de-la-crème academic teachings, especially their biology class. He learned all about photosynthesis, DNA and cell organelles, about how they interacted and, crucially, the underlying chemical reactions that fueled these otherwise fragmented processes. Bao then pondered: “If these processes help us live, and the brain monitors said processes, what processes drive the brain?”. This one question plunged him into a spiral of research. It was not until 11th grade did he hear about Brain Bee, and the rest is history. Even though Bao is an English Major at his high school, his love for neurology has not quivered one bit.