Public engagement workshops

Edinburgh Neuroscience supports researchers to provide interactive workshops for school children.

Two brain models
Borrow our Brains
Neuron plush toys grey different sizes
Cuddly Neurons

Cool stuff available for borrowing 

We have a bank of equipment available for staff to borrow for events and workshops. 

This includes our amazing model brains (pictured above) which can come apart and show the different sections of the brain. We have a collection of bean bags to help demonstrate the different sizes of animal and human brains. The cuddly plush neurons and the rat pack are big hits (see below). 

Contact us to borrow items. 

Animal and human brains made of beanbags to show size differences
Demonstrate the difference in sizes between animal and human brains

Recent workshops 2025

Classroom and teacher

Brain Blocks: your brain is your superpower

In March, Dr Rana Fetit, a postoc in Anna Williams' lab, delivered a series of workshops at Danderhall Primary School and Little Muslims children's group. She had an amazing time inspiring young minds - and being inspired -  by helping them learn about: 

  • different parts of the brain and their functions
  • what our brains are made up of
  • how we study them it in our labs
  • how to keep it healthy as we grow

One four-year-old said, "neurons are like trees with roots and branches that talk!" 

Montagne Lab visit Stockbridge Primary School

In June, Nela, Dorota, Conor, and Axel from the Montagne lab visited P4 students at Stockbridge Primary and delivered an interactive session to offer a glimpse of the lab's work. The students learned about different parts of the brain by colouring and assembling their own 'brain hats,' crafted neurons out of colourful pipe cleaners, and even conducted a real-life experiment by making baking soda and vinegar volcanoes! 

To read more about this session and the work of the Montagne Lab, please visit the lab's website.

scientists with children in classroom setting

Forthcoming public outreach events

Related content

Other items available for borrowing

The Rat Pack plush toys are always up for some mischief, are used responsibly and and are fully compliant with the 3Rs! [insert link when live]. 

What is a public engagement session without something crafty? Pipe cleaner neurons are just one of the many things you can make with our box loads of glittery stuff and glue! 

Plush toy mice and rats with lab bench background
The Rat Pack
Neurons made from pipe cleaners and beads
Pipe cleaner neurons

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