On Friday evening, September 25, CELSPAC took part in the annual Researchers’ Night event. Together with our colleagues from RECETOX, we introduced visitors to the fascinating world of the human brain and cognitive functions through interactive activities that engaged both children and adults.
This year’s event was held under the theme of Communication, inspiring us to explore how the brain processes information, directs our attention, and helps us manage everyday tasks. Visitors had the opportunity to try so-called brain gym exercises, including movement and coordination activities designed to stimulate cooperation between the left and right hemispheres, enhance cognitive flexibility, improve concentration, and challenge multitasking abilities.
In addition to these hands-on activities, we shared practical insights into how brain health can be maintained and supported throughout life. By presenting scientific knowledge in an engaging and accessible way, we aimed to ensure that visitors left not only with a memorable experience, but also with a better understanding of how the human mind works.
The program also featured a lecture by our colleagues Gabriela Kšiňanová and Eliška Hrežová, who discussed how nutrition and exposure to environmental chemicals during pregnancy may influence a child’s brain development. Visitors learned more about the factors that play an important role in early neurodevelopment and how current research investigates their effects.
We would like to thank everyone who stopped by our stand during Researchers’ Night and took part in our activities. Special thanks also go to all the colleagues and students who contributed to the program and helped demonstrate that learning about the human brain can be engaging and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
As part of the RECETOX-organized EUROTOX workshop, which focuses on advanced approaches to chemical risk assessment, regulatory toxicology, and compliance with European legislation, participants also visited CELSPAC. During the visit, young researchers, PhD students, postdocs, and toxicology experts learned how long-term population studies and biobanks can contribute to toxicological research.
This year, Prague became the centre of the European biobanking community. At the international European Biobank Week 2026 congress, experts from around the world came together to discuss the future of biobanks, the management of biological samples, and new opportunities for using data in health research. We were proud to be part of this important event as representatives of the CELSPAC population studies and biobank at RECETOX, Masaryk University.