The IN CSIC-UMH hosts a new edition of ‘Neuroscience Without Barriers’ to bring science closer to young people with disabilities

3 de July de 2026

  • The initiative aims to adapt science outreach activities to make scientific knowledge more accessible to people with different support needs.
  • Participants explored how the brain works through hands-on workshops on electrophysiology, anatomy, and sensorial illusions.

The Institute for Neurosciences (IN), a joint research centre of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), has held the second edition of ‘Neuroscience Without Barriers’, an initiative designed to bring neuroscience research closer to diverse audiences through activities tailored to their specific needs. On this occasion, the Institute welcomed a group of young people with disabilities from the Fundación Adecco, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and others with specific support needs.

Participants and organisers of the second edition of Neuroscience Without Barriers, held at the IN CSIC-UMH. Credit: IN CSIC-UMH.

The programme was specifically designed to accommodate the characteristics of the group, prioritising visual resources, clear explanations, and interactive activities to foster understanding, participation, and learning. Participants were accompanied by their parents and by support professionals from the Plan Familia Levante of Fundación Adecco.

The event began with the outreach talk “Why Do We Need Sleep?”, delivered by Vicente Miralles Liborio, a PhD student in the Ocular Neurobiology Laboratory. His presentation explained the importance of sleep for brain function and overall health.

Participants then took part in a series of practical workshops led by researchers from the Institute. PhD student Miguel Serrano and research technician Saray Rabasco demonstrated how researchers study the electrical activity of neurons using electrophysiological techniques. Researcher and activity coordinator Juan Antonio Sánchez-Alcañiz introduced participants to the anatomy of the nervous system through interactive models, while PhD student Esther Guarch de Jesús led a workshop on sensory illusions, showing how the brain interprets information received through the senses.

A participant takes part in the anatomy workshop during the event. Credit: IN CSIC-UMH.

With this new edition of ‘Neuroscience Without Barriers’, the Institute for Neurosciences reaffirms its commitment to inclusive science communication by promoting activities that enable people with diverse abilities and support needs to engage with biomedical research, spark their curiosity, and gain first-hand insight into the work carried out by the Institute's scientists.

About Fundación Adecco

Fundación Adecco is a non-profit organization that works to promote the social and labour inclusion of people in vulnerable situations, especially people with disabilities, long-term unemployed individuals over the age of 45, women with sole family responsibilities, and people at risk of social exclusion. Through guidance, training, and support programmes, the foundation promotes initiatives aimed at fostering equal opportunities and active participation in different social and professional settings.

Source: Institute for Neurosciences CSIC-UMH (in.comunicacion@umh.es)