Brain Awareness Week 2011 - 13-20 March 2011
In 2011, the Institute of Neuroscience explored the theme of Music and the Brain and offered hands on activities designed to stimulate an interest and fascination with brain science through BrainLab. Details of all our 2011 events can be found below.
BrainWave
On Sunday 13th March, musicians, scientists and curious adults gathered for an evening of short talks, demos, hands-on activities and performance exploring music and the brain.
Events included:
BrainLab
BrainLab gave participants the chance to play with the most complex thing in the known universe – the brain! From making music of the mind using the electrical signals from the brain, to marvelling at auditory illusions and seeing what effect music has on our brain waves and memories, all those who dropped into Brain Lab got to know a little bit more about the brain and neuroscience research.
My Musical Brain
Music is a universal pleasure and prevalent throughout history and in all cultures. It can evoke a memory or emotion, raise our heart rate or soothe us into a meditative state. Through short talks and brain imaging techniques, members of the public were invited to explore how our musical brains evolved and what happens physically and psychologically when we play and listen to music. Can music be prescribed to treat disorders and enhance health?
Music of the Mind
Award-winning musician and composer Finn Peters, Neuromusic expert Dr. Mick Grierson and noted computer-scientist/electronic musician Matthew Yee-King explored the possibilities of using brainwaves to make new musical compositions, and the potential of Brain Computer Interface technology to “think” a note into existence.
The result was music that falls somewhere between Kraftwerk and Sun Ra and draws on influences from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, '60s sci-fi funk, and the avant garde disco of Arthur Russell!
BrainWave was supported by the Wellcome Trust and delivered in partnership with Centre for Life and The Sage Gateshead as part of Newacastle Science Fest' 2011.
BrainLab @ Catalytic Campus
Part of Uni Presents... at Newcastle University's Catalytic Campus event on Tuesday 15th March.
Uni Presents... gathered experts from Newcastle University, Durham University and the Centre for Life to present a playful arena showcasing cutting-edge developments and hands-on activities, including another chance to take part in BrainLab.
Delivered in partnership with Newcastle Science Fest' 2011.
Other events
The fun didn't stop at BrainWave and Catalytic Campus! Dr Jenny Read was back by popular demand with a talk on Optical Illusions in "Optical Illusions, Sleep and the Supernatural" on Monday 14th March and there was yet another chance to participate in BrainLab at the Science Fest's closing party on Thursday 17th!
See what else went on during Newcastle Science Fest' by downloading the 2011 programme! (PDF)
Brain Awareness Week is a global initiative developed by the Dana Alliance
Photo credits: Chris Auld
