With over 1,500 visitors, the open day was well attended, but perhaps even better: more than 60% of them had no previous connection with the Donders Institute. That meant lots of new faces, fresh perspectives and curious questions. Exactly what The Brain Show was all about: sharing, experiencing and connecting through science.
From lab to stage
Visitors immersed themselves in an afternoon full of experiences. From short talks on the main stage – including live brain dissection, new insights into ADHD, research into the menstrual cycle and a preview of the world’s most powerful MRI scanner – to a behind-the-scenes look at our labs. There, visitors discovered how baby brains are measured, how brain waves are visualised and why lying still in an MRI scanner is such an art.
There was plenty to do outside the labs as well. In the heart of the building, many soon‑to‑be scientists explored the Donders Citylab square. Escape rooms gave a sense of how ADHD can affect daily life, interactive demos tested the senses and explored illusions, and collaborations with organisations including NEMO and the muZIEum made science tangible for everyone. If you missed the ADHD Escape, you can still book it via www.dondersdiscovers.nl.
Aftermovie
In the aftermovie, you can see that this day was not just about learning, but above all about experiencing. Thank you to all the visitors, researchers, volunteers and partners who made this day possible. And to everyone who discovered the Donders Institute for the first time: see you next time!
