The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology invites you to the International Brain Awareness Week, which will take place 16–21 March 2026. This year’s edition is organized under the theme “The Brain on the Internet” and will focus on how modern technologies and digital media influence brain function and human behaviour.

The programme includes popular science lectures for teenagers and adults, delivered by researchers and experts in psychology and neuroscience, as well as an open day with interactive workshops for the whole family.

All lectures will take place at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteura 3, Warsaw (CN Hall). The events will also be streamed live online.

Programme

Monday, 16 March 2026, 18:00

Prof. Tomasz Grzyb – SWPS University
“How knowledge about the mind allows us to effectively mislead it” (free admission)

The discussion after the lecture will be moderated by the Stanisławscy from Crazy Nauka.
Live transmission: https://zoom.us/j/93315434850?pwd=KFkh5f9SkItS8mTWdawJ9A52vYy1ZQ.1

Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 12:15

Dr Ewa Malinowska – Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw
“Smartphone as a silent saboteur of the brain?”

Registration is required for school classes; individual participants are welcome without registration.
School classes should send registration requests to: popularyzacja@nencki.edu.pl

Registrations are accepted until Tuesday, 10 March at 16:00.
Please include the lecturer’s name or the lecture title in the subject line.
Live transmission: https://zoom.us/j/95063786361?pwd=ba2CNjEbvl7DPNOKmIswO8GFl8D3JA.1

Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 14:30

Dr Paweł Boguszewski – Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS
“Neurobiology of doomscrolling: what social media do to the brain”

Registration is required for school classes; individual participants are welcome without registration.
School classes should send registration requests to: popularyzacja@nencki.edu.pl

Registrations are accepted until Tuesday, 10 March at 16:00.
Please include the lecturer’s name or the lecture title in the subject line.
Live transmission: https://zoom.us/j/93339116598?pwd=T1bkA47bAKDejIQXovK5UAM4M9D3yJ.1

Friday, 20 March 2026, 18:00

Dr Marcin Leśniak – Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw
“Can excessive smartphone use be associated with cognitive impairments in young adults?”
(free admission)

The discussion after the lecture will be moderated by Karolina Głowacka from Radio Naukowe.

Live transmission: https://zoom.us/j/95095894958?pwd=JxOv52580qMdSTgyDnpMky25uiz5HM.1

Saturday, 21 March 2026, 11:00–15:00

Open Day – workshops for participants aged 5 to 105 (free admission)

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• explore the structure and function of the brain using interactive models,
• look inside the brain using VR goggles,
• compare the brains of different animals,
• learn how the brain controls behaviour,
• and take part in many other activities.

More information about the event is available at: https://www.facebook.com/Popularyzacja