Max Planck
From robot bowling to moonwalking flies – science lovers across South Florida had a chance to get up-close and personal with exciting science at Brain Exploration Day. The biennial open house, hosted by the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, took place Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and attracted more than 650 people – including visitors who traveled from out of state just to visit the institute and experience all that Brain Exploration Day has to offer.
MPFI researchers led demonstrations throughout the institute. Guests saw how scientists can see how neurotransmitters like dopamine affect the brain, learned how mitochondria plays a role in brain dysfunction, explored the visual system, and looked through microscopes powerful enough to resolve individual molecules. Younger visitors programmed robots through mazes, made colorful brain hats, and used real lab pipettes to create original artwork.
“We believe that science belongs to everyone, and it’s always a joy to welcome the community into the institute to learn more about the work we are doing to understand the brain. We appreciate the support from people who say they’ve learned more about the value of research and hope that the experiences that some of our younger visitors had will inspire them to remain curious about pursuing careers in STEM,” said Head of Education Outreach Carla Sawan.
MPFI scientists conduct critical research into the brain and its capacity to produce language, memory, emotion, and movement. Since opening in 2012, MPFI scientists have published more than 267 previously unknown findings about brain development and function. In addition, MPFI has educated more than 569 scientific trainees and holds community outreach events like Brain Exploration Day to help raise awareness of the importance of working toward an understanding of the physical causes of devastating neurological disorders.
"Brain Exploration Day not only makes neuroscience more accessible, it also strengthens our bonds with the community, fostering a culture of learning, curiosity, and appreciation for scientific research," said MPFI spokesperson Katie Edwards.
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), a not-for-profit research organization, is part of the world-renowned Max Planck Society, Germany’s most successful research organization with 84 institutes worldwide. Since its establishment in 1948, 31 Nobel laureates have emerged from the ranks of its scientists. As its only North American institution, MPFI provides exceptional neuroscientists with the resources and technology to answer fundamental brain development and function questions. MPFI researchers employ a curiosity-driven approach to science to develop new technologies that make groundbreaking scientific discoveries possible. For more information, visit https://www.mpfi.org/.