Amy Riach has been placed in the top 8 South Island students for Round One of the NZ Brain Bee Competition.

Dr Ruth Napper, Senior Lecturer Department of Anatomy, University of Otago and the South Island coordinator stated that this year's results were very impressive and Amy has done extremely well in being placed 8th. Approximately 400 students in the South Island compete most years in Round One which gives you an indication of just how well Amy has done.

In any other year this would have ensured Amy's place in Round Two and highly likely a place in the finals. Due to COVID-19 this year's competition has been limited to Round One only.

New Zealand Brain Bee Challenge (NZBBC) is a competition for secondary school students in Year 11 to learn about the brain and its functions, learn about neuroscience research, find out about careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses. It was first started in 2006 to address a number of deficiencies in the public's perception of science in general, and neuroscience in particular. The NZBBC provides current and accurate information on the latest advances in neuroscience research, its value to the community, and promote careers in science and technology.

Brain Bee is a world-wide competition with the South and North Island winners competing in the Australasian finals held in Australia with the New Zealand winner going on to compete with students in the International finals.