Jupiter Community High School Team Triumphs at 2023 Brain Bee Challenge Championship at MPFI

Some of the brightest brains in South Florida schools gathered on Saturday, February 11 as Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) held its 10th annual Brain Bee Challenge. MPFI’s Jupiter campus was abuzz with nervous excitement as 60 Palm Beach County students prepared their three-person teams for intense competition.

Covering topics like learning and memory, emotion, sensation, movement, aging, neurobiology, brain anatomy, and neural disorders, three rounds of bracing trivia capped off a busy day at one of the world’s premiere scientific centers.

“The Brain Bee is a fantastic opportunity for students who are passionate about science to visit the institute, learn about our work and show off their knowledge of the brain,” said Ilaria Drago, Head of Education Outreach. “It is one of our signature events, and every year the competition is better and better.”

And the Winner Is …

When the dust had settled, Jupiter Community High School’s “Brainy Bunch” were crowned Brain Bee royalty. Second place went to the Benjamin School’s “Cerebellum Belles” and the Saint Andrew’s School “Neuroscots 1” finished third. The teams were rewarded with Brain Bee trophies and Amazon gift cards courtesy of the event’s generous sponsor, the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund.

Other schools competing in the 2023 Brain Bee Challenge included:

• Jupiter Middle School of Technology
• Suncoast Community High School
• American Heritage School
• Royal Palm Beach High School
• West Boca High School
• Oxbridge Academy
• FAU High School

In addition, one lucky school won a STEM kit valued at $1,000. This year’s raffle winner was Oxbridge Academy, which received an Electrophysiology Class Bundle courtesy of the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund. Dozens of spectators turned out to cheer on the competitors in person and via livestream.

Trivia with a Purpose

The MPFI Brain Bee Challenge is held each year to increase public awareness of the importance, progress, and benefits of brain research.

The Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund has supported the event since its inception in 2012. In the last 10 years, the Brain Bee Challenge has welcomed more than 480 students in grades 8 -12 to MPFI’s West Palm Beach campus.

Brain Bee Challenge participants tour the institute to learn about the organization’s microscopy facilities and mechanical workshops. Students also participate in hands-on neuroscience demonstrations. The Brain Bee Challenge is part of a global campaign to increase public awareness of the importance, progress, and benefits of brain research.

Part of the prestigious Max Planck Society based in Germany, MPFI is its first and only institute in North America. Situated in the growing biosciences cluster in scenic Palm Beach County in South Florida, MPFI provides a vibrant, collaborative environment where scientists are provided generous ongoing support to conduct high impact research at the cutting edge.

For media inquiries, contact Katie Edwards at katie.edwards@mpfi.org.