This year's edition of the International Brain Week at the Nencki Institute took place on March 16–21, 2026 under the theme "The Brain on the Internet". A series of popular science lectures aimed at both young people and adults focused on the impact of modern technologies and the digital environment on brain function.

The program included lectures by Prof. Tomasz Grzyb (SWPS University), who discussed cognitive mechanisms underlying the susceptibility of the human mind to manipulation; Dr. Ewa Malinowska (University of Warsaw), who addressed the effects of smartphone use on brain function; Dr. Paweł Boguszewski (Nencki Institute, PAS), who presented the neurobiological basis of doomscrolling and the impact of social media; and Dr. Marcin Leśniak (University of Warsaw), who focused on the potential relationship between excessive smartphone use and cognitive impairments in young adults. The lectures were accompanied by discussions led by science communicators Karolina Głowacka (Radio Naukowe) and Ola and Piotr Stanisławscy (Crazy Nauka), fostering deeper reflection and active audience engagement.

The event concluded with an Open Day held on Saturday, during which participants had the opportunity to explore the structure and function of the brain in a hands-on manner. The program included interactive models, VR-based presentations, displays of brains from different animal species, and workshops illustrating the relationship between brain activity and behavior. The workshops were conducted by the Nencki Institute employee.

We would like to sincerely thank all speakers, partners, and individuals involved in organizing the event for their contribution to the development of the program and to the popularization of neurobiological knowledge. Special thanks also go to the participants, whose presence and engagement highlight the growing interest in understanding brain function in the context of contemporary technological challenges.

The organization of Brain Awareness Week was supported by: Dr. Kinga Szydłowska (Coordinator), Dr. hab. Błażej Błażejowski and Dr. Krzysztof Owocki (Institute of Paleobiology, PAS, and the Museum of the Earth in Warsaw); Oskar Żółciński, Zuzanna Fiszer, Vladas Domarackas, and Weronika Kowalczyk (NeuroFani Research Group, Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University in Warsaw); Magdalena Rutkowska, Wiktoria Laprus, Natalia Roszkowska, Aniela Brykała, Kalina Nec (Doctoral Students’ Council of the Nencki Institute, PAS); Dr. hab. Adriana Magalska, Dr. hab. Katarzyna Bartkowska, Dr. hab. Marek Wypych, Dr. hab. Dorota Dymkowska, Dr. hab. Agnieszka Strzelecka-Kiliszek, Dr. hab. Aneta Szymaszek, Dr. Jędrzej Szymański, Artur Wolny, Kinga Nazaruk, Kinga Kosyl-Dzik, Katarzyna Jaślan, Aleksandra Piotrowska, Olga Blauth, Aleksandra Sawicka, Natalia Dymkowska, as well as the staff of the IT and Administration Departments of the Nencki Institute, PAS.