February 25, 2020 – Florida Atlantic University’s Brain Institute is proud to announce “Brainy Days 2020,” a celebration of neuroscience throughout the month of March and sponsored by Palm Health Foundation. From using magic to study the mind to understanding best practices for educating those with autism, and gaining a unique perspective on drug addiction from a scientist, author and survivor, FAU’s Brain Institute hopes to engage, empower and educate the public about brain diseases and ultimately reduce the stigma associated with brain disorders.
The programs kick off on Friday, March 1 at 9 a.m. and runs through Saturday, March 30 at multiple locations around Palm Beach County. For a full schedule of events, visit http://fau.edu/ibrain/brainydays/.
“The ‘Brainy Days’ program represents a focused opportunity for Brain Institute scientists and their trainees to move out of the laboratory and connect with members of our community, young and old, concerning the promise and progress of brain research and medicine,” said Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., executive director of FAU’s Brain Institute and a professor of biomedical science in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “Our activities range from hands-on science experiences for kids at the South Florida Science Center & Aquarium in the shadow of the new permanent exhibit, “Journey Through the Human Brain,” to health-oriented lectures for adults, and everything connected with brain science, in between. Neuroscience is a constantly evolving field, where advances in technologies and brain health research are arising every day. We have a lot of fascinating stories to tell, and excitement to pass along to the next generation.”
“Brainy Days,” is sponsored by the Palm Health Foundation, an organization committed to supporting brain health innovation in our community for better health for generations to come. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Els Center of Excellence, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium provided additional support.
“Palm Health Foundation envisions Palm Beach County becoming a national leader in brain health innovation. We are working toward this by championing local partners and projects like Brainy Days. The FAU Brain Institute is an essential partner in putting our community on the map in the brain health field,” said Patrick McNamara, Palm Health Foundation president and CEO.
“Brainy Days” exemplifies FAU’s commitment to providing the community with the knowledge needed to maintain brain health and lower one’s risk for brain diseases. Scientists at FAU’s Brain Institute are committed to conducting world-class research, the development of cutting-edge technologies, and training the next generation of neuroscientists.
For more information on “Brainy Days,” contact Nicole Baganz, Ph.D., director of community engagement and programming of FAU’s Brain Institute, at BI-Outreach@fau.edu or 561-799-8100.
About the FAU Brain Institute:
Inaugurated in 2016 on the John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter, Fla., the FAU Brain Institute, supports research, education and community outreach among more than 100 faculty level researchers at FAU and its affiliate research centers. One of FAU’s four pillars that guide the University’s goals and strategic actions, the Institute seeks to unlock the secrets of brain development, function and plasticity and how the mechanisms uncovered can be compromised to drive devastating brain disorders. From the study of neuronal development and signaling to investigations of brain diseases including addiction, autism, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, researchers from FAU’s Brain Institute seek to generate knowledge that benefits society. For more information about the Institute and its members, visit http://fau.edu/ibrain/.
About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. FAU’s world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of critical areas that form the basis of its strategic plan: Healthy aging, biotech, coastal and marine issues, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, informatics, lifespan and the environment. These areas provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU’s existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.
About Palm Health Foundation:
Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health. With the support of donors and a focus on results, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, respects diverse opinions, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all backgrounds, heritage, education, incomes and states of well-being. Palm Health Foundation has invested more than $83 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.
