About the UK Brain Bee

Inspiring Future Neuroscientists

The UK Brain Bee (UKBB) is established as part of the International Brain Bee (IBB). The IBB is a global neuroscience competition for high school students, founded by Dr. Norbert Myslinski at the University of Maryland, USA. Its primary goal is to inspire young minds to learn about the brain and pursue careers in neuroscience, ultimately contributing to the treatment and cure of brain disorders. By connecting local, national, and international efforts, the IBB fosters a worldwide network of future neuroscientists, making it a truly global initiative. Nowadays, the IBB is a global initiative that reaches over 50 countries. Our national champion advances to compete in the IBB World Championship.

The UKBB is competition is hosted at Imperial College London, one of the UK’s leading institutions for medical and scientific education.

LEADERSHIP

at the UK Brain Bee

Emma Barton

Elizabeth Katherine Gamarra

Emma Barton is a second-year undergraduate at Imperial College London, currently studying BSc Biotechnology (with a Year in Industry). She is also the Vice-president and co-Founder of NeuroSpark London, a platform aimed at providing accessible and relevant neuroscience knowledge to pre-university students.

Elizabeth Katherine Gamarra is an MPhil in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, specialising in neuropolitics. She holds a PhD in International Relations and Politics from Japan as a MEXT Fellow. Her interdisciplinary work explores how brain processes shape political beliefs, decision-making, and the role of memory and trauma in behaviour. She is also a Clinical Research Associate at London Trauma Specialists and also contributes to “Junior Scientist Day” at the Unit, supporting neuroscience outreach through interactive, brain-themed educational activities designed to improve children’s brain literacy and make neuroscience engaging, fun, and accessible.