The iBehave Network, in collaboration with NeurotechEU, successfully hosted an insightful Pint of Science event on May 13, 2025, at Neue Rheinbühne in Bonn. Titled "Networked Thoughts: Between the Laboratory Table and the Living World," this event offered a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of neuroscience and behavior through a series of enlightening talks by researchers from iBehave and NeurotechEU consortia.
Event Highlights:
The evening served as a dynamic public outreach activity, offering engaging presentations on natural behaviors and the neural mechanisms that underlie them. Attendees not only had the opportunity to gain insight into cutting-edge research from the iBehave Network and NeurotechEU but also actively interacted with experts in the field.
Featured Talks:
Prof. Dr. Björn Krüger (Research Group Leader, “Personalized Digital Health and Telemedicine”, University of Bonn)
Title: Improving Quality of Life: How Wearable Technologies Can Help with Epilepsy
Björn Krüger explored the latest in wearable technology designed to assist individuals with epilepsy. From smart bracelets to touch-free methods, he discussed the capabilities of these devices, their current limitations, and the future research needed to enhance their accessibility and effectiveness.
Dr. Christopher Wiesbrock (Postdoc, University of RWTH Aachen)
Title: Of Mice and Machines: The Study of Social Behavior in the Rodent World
Christopher Wiesbrock delved into the world of olfactory communication in mice, emphasizing the role of the vomeronasal organ and pheromones in identifying healthy and sick conspecifics. He also covered how artificial intelligence is used to analyze this complex behavioral data, providing deep insights into mice's social interactions and environmental perceptions.
Prof. Dr. Matthias Braun (Head of the Chair of Social Ethics, University of Bonn) from NeurotechEU
Title: Can You Patent Brains and Why (Not)?
Matthias Braun engaged the audience in a thought-provoking discussion on the ethical and philosophical considerations of patenting brains. As a professor at the Evangelical Theological Faculty and an award-winning researcher, Braun brought a unique perspective to the discussion of political ethics and the governance of new technologies.
About Pint of Science
Pint of Science is an international festival that brings scientific research to the public in a relaxed and accessible environment—often a local pub! Started in 2013 by UK-based postgraduate students, the festival now takes place in over 400 cities across 24 countries. Scientists give talks on various topics, from physics to psychology, encouraging open discussions and Q&A sessions.
Pint of Science aims to break down barriers between the scientific community and the general public, promoting science communication and engagement. The informal setting allows people to learn about science in a fun and engaging way, highlighting the importance of scientific research and its impact on society. Click here to learn more about Pint of Science.
Reflecting on our participation in the Pint of Science event in 2024, held at Rheinbühne in Bonn, we are glad about continued collaboration with NeurotechEU and Pint of Science Bonn. Our involvement underscored our commitment to bridging the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience research and the wider community, fostering dialogue, and sharing knowledge in an accessible and enjoyable setting.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our speakers for their engaging presentations. This event was made possible with the generous support of the Pint of Science Bonn, Proteintech Group, and the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior.
