The National Youth Neuroscience Organization (NYNO) is a student-led, team-based competition designed to engage high school students in neuroscience, psychology, and mental health through applied learning and collaborative problem-solving. The competition focuses on real-world thinking rather than memorization, encouraging students to analyze brain function, behavior, and mental health concepts in meaningful ways. Free for high school/middle school students.
The NYNO competition is a multi-track neuroscience experience designed to go beyond traditional academic contests by emphasizing application, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Students in grades 6–12 compete across four distinct tracks, each focusing on a different skill set in neuroscience and mental health. The Core Neuroscience Challenge tests foundational knowledge and advanced clinical reasoning through progressive tournament rounds, while the Innovation Challenge invites teams to design real-world solutions to neuroscience or mental health problems. The Lightning Neuroscience Bowl emphasizes speed and accuracy in fast-paced, buzzer-style quiz rounds, and the Presentation Track highlights scientific communication through structured talks and Q&A sessions. Together, these divisions create a dynamic environment where students can engage with neuroscience in multiple ways, from analytical thinking to public speaking and creative problem-solving.
NYNO is more than a competition, it is a year-round neuroscience nonprofit built to support student growth beyond a single event. Through its programs, NYNO connects high school students with college mentors, medical students, and neuroscience researchers to provide guidance, academic support, and real-world exposure to the field. It also runs student-led outreach initiatives where participants teach neuroscience and mental health concepts to younger students and their communities, earning volunteer hours while strengthening science communication skills. In addition, NYNO offers a publication platform for students to share essays, articles, and research-based writing, giving them a voice in neuroscience discourse. Optional speaker series and webinars further expand access to professionals in neuroscience, psychology, and medicine, helping students explore careers and ideas directly from experts in the field.
MindWaves is the official podcast of the National Youth Neuroscience Organization (NYNO), dedicated to making neuroscience and mental health education accessible, engaging, and meaningful for students, families, and communities around the world.
Through conversations with researchers, professors, clinicians, nonprofit leaders, advocates, and individuals with lived experience, MindWaves explores the science of the brain, mental health awareness, emerging research, career pathways, and the stories that shape our understanding of the human mind.
We welcome guests from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
Our mission is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and everyday understanding, helping create a more informed, compassionate, and supportive community.
🎙️ Listen to MindWaves on Spotify and YouTube, with Apple Podcasts coming soon.
Interested in being a guest or partnering with us? We'd love to hear your story and share your perspective with our growing audience.