On Saturday, October 14, 2006* Atlanta-based neuroscientists will team up to raise a nine-story hot air balloon in the shape of a human brain! we will also raise awareness about the brain and brain disorders.

Held on the campus of Georgia State University, the Brain Balloon Project features the spectacular hot air balloon, shaped and color-coded by functional regions of the human brain. At the base of the big brain, local scientists will lead hands-on, “minds-on” neuroscience activities for visitors of all ages. Come touch a human brain, build a brain, bead a brain cell, and learn about brain disorders. Also take away information, books, and prizes.

The balloon will inflate at the corner of Decatur St SE and Piedmont Rd SE, just ½ block from the Georgia State University MARTA station. A free shuttle from the Georgia World Congress Center will be available from 3:30-7:00 p.m. Click here for a map.

The Brain Balloon Project is sponsored by The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, The Autism Tissue Program & Autism Speaks, The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience in Atlanta, the Brains & Behaviors Program at Georgia State University, Toga Community Outreach in Atlanta, the Atlanta Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience, the Society for Neuroscience, Costa Panos Remax Executives, The Institute for Biomedical Philosophy, Dr. Neil Shulman, the REAL Doc Hollywood, Division of Science & Mathematics at Morehouse College, the Graduate Neuroscience Program at Emory University, the Neuroscience Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, and the National Meningitis Association

The Brain Balloon is owned and operated by The International Brain Foundation, led by neurosurgeon Scott Gibbs, M.D. of Missouri. The Foundation aims to raise awareness about neuroscience, the brain, and brain disorders by inflating the brain balloon at locations throughout the nation.

The Brain Balloon Project on October 14, 2006* kicks off a week-long annual meeting for 30,000 neuroscientists and clinicians at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. Visit the Society for Neuroscience website at www.sfn.org for more information.

*Rain Date: Sunday, October 15, 2006. Check www.biology.gsu.edu/brainballoon to bookmark this website and check back for updates on weather.*

To volunteer or to request more information, contact Kyle Frantz at kfrantz@gsu.edu.