How 11-year-olds helped discover secrets of healthy brain ageing

As part of Local Heritage Month, discover one of Scotland’s most remarkable stories—where ordinary schoolchildren from 1947 became part of a world-leading study into memory, ageing, and the human mind.

Decades after sitting a simple classroom test, some were invited by the University of Edinburgh to take part in a unique research journey that continues today. Now turning 90, their experiences are helping scientists understand how our thinking skills change across a lifetime.

This event brings their story to life—showing how local people became key contributors to ground-breaking discoveries about healthy brain ageing.

No scientific background needed—just curiosity. Come along and be part of the story.

This event will be facilitated by Barbora Skarabela, Lothian Birth Cohorts, Department of Psychology | PPLS and Edinburgh Futures Institute.

***

This event is free and open to all.

Please indicate any access requirements when you register to attend.

***

Privacy notice

Details of the University of Edinburgh full privacy notice can be found here

We want to run a safe and accessible event and provide the best possible experience for you. By providing any information required on the booking form, you are giving the University consent to hold and process this data about you and to advise our suppliers of these details, under data protection regulations, for the purpose of running this event. By providing this information about your guest[s], you are confirming that you have their permission to share this data with the University for the same purposes. Any accessibility requirements are deleted following completion of the event.

Photography notice

This event may be photographed and/or recorded for promotional or recruitment materials for the University and University approved third parties. For further information please contact [email protected]

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher College Of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine