What is the brain bee?
The Brain Bee is a neuroscience competition for secondary school students sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience. It aims to motivate students to learn about the brain, capture their imaginations, and inspire them to pursue careers in biomedical research. It is organized into regional, national, and international competitions. The winners of the local Bees compete nationally, and the national winners progress to the international competition. The Philadelphia Regional Brain Bee is organized by Neuroscience graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania and sponsored by the Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences at Penn.
frequently asked questions
When and where is the 2025 Philadelphia regional competition?
Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10 AM - 12 PM at the Austrian Auditorium, Clinical Research Building, University of Pennsylvania.
Who is eligible to participate?
This competition is open to all 9-12th grade students at least 13 years of age in the Philadelphia area and beyond.
How do I prepare for the competition?
Questions for the Brain Bee are derived from the Brain Facts Book (free PDF version available at this link). Previous winners have prepared by making flashcards with information from this book to study.
What does the winner of the competition receive?
The winner of the Philadelphia Regional Brain Bee receives a cash prize and a fully reimbursed trip to compete in the National Brain Bee, and the potential to move on to the International Brain Bee competition.
I am interested in competing! how do I register?
To participate in the 2025 Philadelphia Regional Brain Bee, you must register at this link by Saturday, January 25, 2025.
Does it cost money to participate in the brain bee?
Registration for the Philadelphia Regional Brain Bee is cost-free. At this time however, travel to the university campus and parking are not reimbursed.
Please contact our student organizers with any questions:
Jafar Bhatti (jafar.bhatti@pennmedicine.upenn.edu)
Joe Stucynski (joseph.stucynski@pennmedicine.upenn.edu)