Discover the Deutsche Neurowissenschaften Olympiade (DNO), sparking interest in neuroscience among high school students since 2011.

Our annual competition spans four key scientific disciplines, all derived from a carefully curated study guide based on Eric Kandel’s “Principles of Neuroscience.” Regional rounds are held in Berlin, Bonn, and Heidelberg from late February to early March. The top 15 students from each region advance to the national finals in Frankfurt am Main, typically held between mid-April and early May.

While our competitions maintain high standards, every student has an equal opportunity to succeed. We offer a concise study guide based on Eric Kandel’s groundbreaking “Principles of Neuroscience” to help participants prepare. No additional knowledge or training is required to compete.

However, DNO is about more than just competition. It provides students with the opportunity to explore their scientific interests. For those considering careers in medicine, neuroscience, biology, or related fields, DNO offers a first glimpse into these subjects. Participants can connect with like-minded peers, engage in discussions with scientists, and learn about potential career paths.

Competition Challenges 

The DNO competition is designed to challenge students, particularly those with a keen interest in neuroscience and medicine. We push beyond the standard German high school curriculum, introducing topics typically taught during the first two semesters of a university neuroscience program. Additionally, the entire competition is conducted in English, requiring students to comprehend the material both in writing and through listening.

However, students should not be discouraged by any potential language barriers. While many of our staff members are international, we ensure that German-speaking support is always available for students who may struggle. In fact, students who provide correct answers in German will receive at least partial credit, emphasizing our commitment to inclusivity.

The choice to conduct the competition in English is strategic. Our DNO finalist will go on to participate in the virtual International Brain Bee (IBB) in the US, which takes place just 3 to 5 months after the DNO National competition. Conducting the competition in English helps students avoid the need to re-learn material in a new language while preparing for more in-depth topics.

Beyond these strategic considerations, there’s a practical aspect as well. Much of today’s research in neuroscience and medicine is conducted and published exclusively in English. By familiarizing students with these scientific standards early on, we aim to ease the transition to future studies and reduce the pressure of having to relearn foundational concepts later in their academic careers.

For more detailed information about the competition categories, including the specific tasks involved in each section, the skills tested, and how students can best prepare, please click here. This resource will provide you with an in-depth understanding of what to expect and how to support your students effectively. For answers to common questions and additional guidance, please visit our FAQ.

The DNO is a neuroscience competition designed for high school students. While students are required to register themselves, we also ask for a brief letter of recommendation from a teacher to verify their scientific interest.

We understand that teachers may be concerned that this letter needs to be long, detailed, and highly formal, but that’s not the case. We simply need a short note confirming that the student has a genuine interest in neuroscience or related fields. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just a few sentences will suffice. Your verification is valuable in ensuring that the competition remains a platform for students truly passionate about science.

Thank you for your support and for helping to inspire the next generation of scientists!

Please click on the link below and nominate your student according to their state:

• Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein
• Bremen, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland
• Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Hessen, Thüringen

Sign Up for Our Quarterly Newsletter

Stay informed about the latest updates from the Deutsche Neurowissenschaften Olympiade (DNO)! By joining our quarterly mailing list, you’ll receive timely reminders about upcoming competitions, bootcamps, giveaways, and other special events. It’s the perfect way to keep your students engaged and ensure they don’t miss out on any opportunities. So sign up to our newsletter today or follow us on social media!

• Facebook: @deutscheneurowissenschaftenolympiade
• Instagram: @neuroscience_olympiad
• X: @neuroolympiade

Any further Questions or Requests?

We’re here to help! If you have any questions, concerns, or special requests, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us directly at:

Email: outreach@mail.dno-ev.de

Our head of Outreach, Lisa Spänig, and her team are always ready to assist you with any needs you might have. We look forward to supporting you and your students!