In a recent publication in Brain Structure and Function, The BrainHelpDesk is featured as an innovative way to engage with the public. This online platform enables anyone to ask questions about the brain and receive answers directly from neuroscience experts. The authors encourage fellow scientists to bring science closer to the public and to rethink how they communicate beyond traditional academic settings.
We live in a world where information is everywhere and can be shared by anyone. While this has many advantages, it also makes it harder to tell which sources are reliable. Social media and AI tools make this problem even bigger. Fleur Zeldenrust, one of the founders of The BrainHelpDesk, explains, "There are many misconceptions about the brain, while we as scientists often think: we have already agreed on that."
Some of these wrong ideas are surprisingly persistent and can affect how people think about learning, memory, or behavior. A forerunner of The BrainHelpDesk, the Climate Helpdesk, helps to clear up misconceptions about climate change. When Fleur heard about this initiative, she realized, "This is exactly what we need for the brain as well."
An innovative platform
With this in mind, researchers at the Donders Institute created The BrainHelpDesk in 2022. This platform lets people ask questions about the brain and get answers directly from a dedicated team of neuroscience experts. The responses are written in clear, accessible language and are often supported by illustrations that help to explain complex brain processes.
From monologue to dialogue
The BrainHelpDesk shows a two-way model of science communication. Instead of simply providing facts, researchers engage with the public and answer real questions. This allows people to feel involved and understand the science that affects their lives. It is a good example of how science communication can be more than just a one-way transmission of facts.
Fleur points out, "People do not only ask medical questions. They also ask very fundamental ones: How does memory actually work? How do you learn a language? They truly want to understand how the brain works."
An inspiration to others
Their publication reflects on what the BrainHelpDesk team has learned during this process of direct engagement. They found that science can be shared in ways that are easy to understand without losing accuracy. By sharing these experiences, they hope to inspire other researchers to explore similar ways of connecting with the public.
Looking ahead, Fleur adds, "Social media is a powerful way to reach many people, but we are still figuring out how to use it as scientists in a calm and meaningful way, without losing our own way of communicating."
Join the conversation
Are you curious about the brain? The BrainHelpDesk welcomes your questions. You can submit your question online or meet the team at outreach events and be part of a growing dialogue that brings science closer to the public.
After the launch of the BrainHelpDesk redesign, the platform is now attracting 300 to 400 visitors per month. The most viewed question so far is: How does personality arise? For the answer, you will have to visit the platform yourself at www.brainhelpdesk.nl.