The Deutsche Neurowissenschaften Olympiade is a nationwide neuroscience competition run by the nonprofit DNO. Students first compete in Berlin, Bonn, or Heidelberg through written, neuroanatomy, patient-diagnosis, and podium rounds.
The top 15 students from each regional site advance to the national final in Frankfurt am Main. The national champion represents Germany at the International Brain Bee.
Benefits & funding
- Accepted students receive password access to the DNO study guide after their registration and teacher nomination are matched.
- Travel grants are available on request, especially for financial hardship; the usual reimbursement is €1 per 10 km, with full reimbursement possible in documented hardship cases.
- The top 45 regional competitors advance to the national final, and the national champion may represent Germany at the International Brain Bee.
Eligibility
- The competition is for high school students interested in neuroscience; it is aimed mainly at grade 10 and above, but younger students are not barred.
- No prior neuroscience knowledge is required because all questions are based on the DNO study guide.
- A teacher nomination is mandatory, and the teacher and student must use the same email address.
- Students from Germany may compete; high school students from neighboring countries without their own designated neuroscience olympiad may also participate but cannot enter the national Top 10 podium round or represent Germany.
- There is no strict age limit for participation, but students aged 19 or older, or who turn 20 before the International Brain Bee, cannot enter the Top 10 podium round or represent Germany.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
High School
Appears to have an age limit “aged 19”
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Application process
- 1When registration opens, choose the regional site assigned to the German state where you live and complete the student form.
- 2Prepare the signed photo and video consent form requested during registration.
- 3Ask a teacher to submit a nomination of 2 to 5 sentences using the same email address as the student registration.
- 4After both submissions are matched, wait for the confirmation email and study-guide password.
Program timeline
Regional competitions in Berlin, Bonn, and Heidelberg
Mar 14, 2026
National final in Frankfurt am Main
Jun 13, 2026