Are you a student or professional in life sciences, biology, medicine, neurobiology, or simply fascinated by the brain and its functions?
The Deutsche Neurowissenschaften Olympiade (DNO) is the official German branch of the International Brain Bee (IBB), a global neuroscience competition that challenges students to explore the wonders of the human brain. As part of the IBB network, the DNO provides students across Germany with the opportunity to compete at both national and international levels, fostering a deeper understanding of neuroscience and inspiring the next generation of scientists. We are a volunteer-driven organization relying on the enthusiasm and dedication of individuals like you to make this event a success. No formal application process or financial commitment is required—your passion and wanting to contribute are what matter most to us.
Why Volunteer with Us?
Volunteering with the DNO offers a unique opportunity to work in an international, multidisciplinary team. You’ll collaborate with motivated students and professionals from various backgrounds, all united by a shared passion for neuroscience. Whether you’re looking to gain experience, expand your network, or simply share your love for the brain, the DNO provides a welcoming and rewarding environment.
Local Teams
At the Deutsche Neurowissenschaften Olympiade (DNO), our local teams are the heart and soul of our operations. Each team is responsible for organizing and hosting competitions that take place across Germany. These teams are led by dedicated volunteers who bring their passion for neuroscience to life by coordinating every aspect of the event. Whether it’s planning logistics, engaging with participants, or coordinating volunteers, this is where you‘ll find the people that make it possible.
In addition to the local teams and on-day volunteering opportunities, there are also overarching teams that focus on broader aspects of the DNO. Volunteering with these teams allows you to contribute to the ongoing success of the DNO while gaining experience in specific fields that align with your interests and skills.
Ionut Dumitru and Arda Ateş
The Academic Team is the backbone of our competitions. They are responsible for updating our study guide and developing exam questions and tasks. Currently, this team is also working on creating a comprehensive question catalog that can be used for preparation in future competitions. Volunteers in this team also collaborate with the Social Media Team to create interactive quizzes.
Lisa Spänig
The Outreach Team is tasked with spreading the word about the DNO to potential sponsors, collaborators, and schools. They work closely with the Design Team to create posters, flyers, and advertisements that are distributed to both new and existing sponsors. Another key objective is to gain recognition for the DNO within medical faculties and universities, helping participants gain a competitive edge.
Lisa Spänig
Our Social Media Team manages the DNO’s presence across three platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and X. Instagram is our primary platform, where we share weekly posts on neuroscience facts, monthly updates on neuroscience news, and engaging stories featuring quiz questions.
Mandy Watson
The Procurement Team is responsible for selecting prizes, ordering T-shirts, and collecting goodies from sponsors. Iit centralizes the procurement process, working closely with Outreach and Finance to organize orders and ensure timely shipments to the required locations.
Aneesha Kohli and Friedrich Schwarz
The Finance Team plays a crucial role in securing funding for the DNO. Since neither volunteers nor participants are required to pay to take part in the DNO, this team is tasked with contacting foundations, institutes, and other entities to secure the financial support needed to host in-person events. The team also manages expenses such as T-shirt orders and travel reimbursements.
Laura Krauskopf
The Design Team is involved in every visual aspect of the DNO. Following a significant rebranding in 2024, which included a new logo and design overhaul, this team collaborates with all other teams to produce study guide layouts, design promotional materials, create Instagram posts, and more.
Florian Kohrt
The IT Team ensures that our website is constantly updated and functioning smoothly. This is especially critical during high-traffic periods such as registrations. Specialized skills and experience are highly appreciated, but not required to volunteer with this team; there are plenty of opportunities to contribute, regardless of your technical background.
Join Us!
Volunteering with the DNO is not just about contributing to a cause; it’s about becoming part of a vibrant, international community of students and professionals who share a passion for neuroscience. Whether you’re interested in academic development, outreach, design, or logistics, there’s a place for you in the DNO.
You’re excited about contributing to a meaningful cause and making a difference in the lives of high school students? If you’re located near one of our local teams—Berlin, Bonn, Heidelberg, or Frankfurt—you can be directly involved in the competition day itself, working alongside a passionate team to ensure everything runs smoothly. Join us in spreading the excitement of neuroscience and help us inspire the next generation of scientists!
If you have any further questions or need additional information about volunteering with the DNO, please don’t hesitate to contact our Outreach team. They are here to assist you and provide any details you may need to get involved. Contact Lisa and her Outreach Team via outreach@mail.dno-ev.de, and they’ll be happy to help!
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest volunteer opportunities, events, and news:
Facebook: @deutscheneurowissenschaftenolympiade
Instagram: @neuroscience_olympiad