The IBRO-Dana Brain Awareness Week (BAW) Grant, a prestigious initiative funded by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) and the Dana Foundation, supports exceptional neuroscience outreach projects with a generous grant of $1,250. Annually inviting applications in September through October, this grant empowers hosts to promote education and awareness in brain sciences through innovative events. In 2019, my co-organiser Vyoma Shah and I were honoured to receive this grant, which enabled us to organise an engaging online event featuring talks, competitions, workshops, and exciting giveaways.

India’s public health system faces a growing burden of neurological disorders due to an ageing population. This, combined with the increasing global diagnoses of neuropsychiatric disorders such as Autism, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Bipolar Disorder, makes the need for wider awareness and public engagement more pressing than ever. Expanding public knowledge and fostering research is crucial, as these disorders affect millions worldwide. 

This is where IBRO and the Dana Foundation come in, playing a pivotal role in fostering curiosity and public understanding of neuroscience through their monetary and non-monetary support. Through initiatives like the Brain Awareness Week (BAW) Grant, they drive efforts to promote education and awareness in brain sciences, nurturing the relationship between scientific exploration and societal understanding.

Science communication: Focus and formats

The BAW Grant is specifically intended for science communication and public education and does not apply to scientific communication initiatives such as conferences, workshops, or training sessions.

When designing a programme, it’s essential to consider the audience you wish to impact, which may include professionals, students from various disciplines, parents, and school children. The grant is keen to support initiatives that effectively bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding about the brain, especially in communities challenged by a lack of resources and support. 

While the goal is to enhance public interest and comprehension of neuroscience the programme design should ensure that there is meaningful engagement, and that scientific knowledge reaches and resonates with the target audience. An example of this could be a program of hosting a neuroscience fair at a university for school students, providing them with an opportunity to interact directly with researchers and explore their work. Alternatively, a session could be organised for mid-career professionals, focusing on early onset signs of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other conditions, along with practical advice on precautions and how to seek help. 

Previously supported grants have featured a range of engaging formats, including popular science talks, interactive stalls, games, and workshops. These initiatives have successfully captured the interest of non-specialist audiences, with a special emphasis on engaging children. However, I would encourage you to think beyond just younger audiences, and explore communities that will have a lasting impact from public engagement.

This could be achieved through: 

1. Events: Organising popular science talks, interactive stalls, games, and workshops. These events should foster direct interaction with the public, offering hands-on experiences and opportunities for meaningful engagement with neuroscientists and their research.
2. Media: Producing engaging science podcasts, videos, and other multimedia formats. These should be designed to captivate and inform a broad audience through compelling storytelling and accessible presentation of scientific concepts.

The BAW event I hosted during the pandemic provided a unique opportunity for individuals to connect virtually with eminent researchers through engaging talks and with scientific content through interactive games. Despite webinars being a relatively new format at the time, we saw a diverse audience ranging from 16 to 70 years old participating in our week-long events.

The pandemic context heightened the relevance of our program, as participants gained valuable insights into clinical disorders, such as depression, which were becoming increasingly prevalent. I believe that the awareness, coupled with the engaging formats (quiz, giveaways etc), made the event particularly impactful.

Designing an impactful BAW proposal 

Here are a few suggestions on proposing a programme that aligns with the expectations of the grant.

1. Identify your primary audience and set clear goals: Begin by identifying your primary audience and establishing clear objectives for your event. For example, if your event features talks and lab visits, consider who is most likely to attend and how these activities will benefit them. Think about how these elements will engage your audience and the impact they will have. Also, reflect on what the grant reviewers will be looking for. Ensure that you can substantiate your claim of effectively reaching and serving your target demographic. This might involve showcasing how the event addresses the specific interests and needs of your audience within the Indian context, such as regional educational gaps or local community concerns, and how it will create a significant impact on them. 
2. Designing the event: Once you have a clear understanding of your audience, focus on designing a program that effectively achieves your goals. Take into account the infrastructure of your institution or organisation, leveraging the knowledge held by your department or team. Explore the potential use of facilities such as Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electromyogram (EMG), eye-tracking devices, or any other available resources. Exposure to such technologies can be both intriguing and educational for novice audiences. Collaborate with your team to explore research areas that align with the interests of your target audience.
3. Timing and Planning is key: Make sure your event is scheduled at a time that fits your audience’s needs. For instance, early mornings might work best for school students, while evenings could be more convenient for working adults. Show that you understand your audience by choosing a time that aligns with their schedules. Thoughtful planning is also crucial to ensure the event isn’t overwhelming or exhausting, helping everyone stay engaged and comfortable throughout.
4. Budget: Make sure to use your budget to create a comfortable and welcoming event for everyone. It’s important to include accommodations that improve accessibility for disabled participants and add engaging recreational elements to keep your audience interested. Beyond the core needs of your program, consider setting aside funds for refreshments, hiring a sign language interpreter, or investing in a paid subscription for better user experience. 
5. Feedback and evaluation: Incorporate mechanisms for feedback and evaluation throughout the event. This will not only help individuals planning similar events for this audience in the future but will also provide valuable insights for your grant report.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Affiliation with an institution or organisation: Ensure that you are affiliated with an institution or organisation, as this significantly enhances the likelihood of being selected.

• Eligibility for students in Masters or younger: Students pursuing their Masters or Bachelors can apply as primary grantee. Having your professor’s name as the primary grantee may not necessarily increase the chances of selection unless they have relevant outreach experience.

Impact of the grant on a neuroscience career (for students)

While the grant may not immediately appeal to those who aren’t interested in outreach or science communication, it offers substantial benefits for advancing your academic and professional journey.

1. Developing communication skills: The grant provides a unique chance to hone essential communication skills by engaging with a non-specialist audience. Mastering the ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible way can set you apart as a researcher and give you a competitive edge for your PhD or Post-Doc applications.
2. Boosting your academic career: Securing a grant for public engagement during your Master’s or PhD program can significantly enhance your scientific career. It can open doors to valuable networking opportunities and connections with prestigious organisations within and outside the scientific community such as IBRO and The Dana Foundation.
   

While the grant may not align with everyone’s interests, its impact on skill development and academic advancement is considerable. For me, the grant served as a crucial stepping stone into the professional public engagement space. It provided me a chance to explore skills beyond traditional academia and collaborate with a talented team from the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, the Centre of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences (CBCS), and the National Forensic Sciences University, all of whom share a passion for public engagement and making a meaningful impact.