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Thousands gathered to explore their amazing brains at the second annual BrainFest, a partnership of the Allen Institute and Pacific Science Center
03.18.2025
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Have you ever wondered how you wonder? On March 15, 2025, crowds of curious families, friends, and neuroscience enthusiasts gathered at Pacific Science Center (PacSci) in Seattle to explore their amazing brains at the second annual BrainFest. With the help of 150 volunteers from Allen Institute and other local STEM institutions, this event co-hosted by Allen Institute and PacSci reached over 3,400 visitors of all ages. The day included hands-on activities, live presentations, exhibit takeovers, and more. Kids and adults alike were able to meet neuroscientists, try scientific equipment, learn about cutting-edge neuroscience research, and even touch a real brain!
BrainFest attendees examined real human brain and mouse brain tissue, magnified through a microscope.
Allen Institute scientists shared how to represent the shape and parts of neurons including axons, dendrites, and the soma with pipe cleaners.
Using electromyography, BrainFest attendees were able to visualize the electrical signals sent from their brain to their muscles.
BrainFest attendees assemble a large magnetic puzzle depicting 3D reconstructions of actual neurons from Allen Institute’s electron microscopy data. Photo by Emily Jeung / PacSci.
Researchers from the University of Washington provided opportunities to see, and touch, human brains donated for research and education purposes. Photo by Emily Jeung / PacSci.
Dr. Kate Mulligan (UW School of Medicine) and Dr. Claire Weichselbaum (Allen Institute) led attendees in exploring the fascinating anatomy of the brain through a narrated dissection.
The Allen Institute is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organization founded by philanthropist and visionary, the late Paul G. Allen. The Allen Institute is dedicated to answering some of the biggest questions in bioscience and accelerating research worldwide. The Institute is a recognized leader in large-scale research with a commitment to an open science model. Its research institutes and programs include the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the Allen Institute for Cell Science, the Allen Institute for Immunology, and the Allen Institute for Neural Dynamics. In 2016, the Allen Institute expanded its reach with the launch of The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, which identifies pioneers with new ideas to expand the boundaries of knowledge and make the world better. For more information, visit alleninstitute.org.
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