Program Structure
| Month | Event | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| September | Lecture | Introduction to Neuroscience |
| October | Lecture | Crossed Syndromes: Localizing Brainstem Lesions by Clinical Signs |
| November | Lecture | Parkinson’s and Huntington Disease: A Deep Dive into Basal Ganglia Circuitry |
| December | Career Panel | Research |
| January | Career Panel | Ischemic Stroke and Arterial Territories: Localizing Infarcts |
| February | Lecture | Visual Pathway Lesions: Hemianopia and Cortical Blindness |
| March | Lecture | Neuroplasticity/Neurogenesis |
| April | Lecture | Dementia/Degenerative Diseases |
| May | Career Panel | Neuro ICU Allied Health Professionals |
Journal Club
Grey Matter Project will begin sharing curated research articles that align with the weekly topics in the curriculum. These articles will be selected to complement each month’s focus, offering members an opportunity to engage more thoroughly with current findings in neurology. Members are encouraged to read these articles and initiate informal journal club-style discussions within their local chapters. We will also post guiding questions and prompts to support these discussions. We also hope to invite authors or researchers of featured papers to speak with students and create a space for members to ask questions and gain insights into both the research process and scientific content.
Pop-Up Lectures
In addition to our regular programming, Grey Matter Project will introduce pop-up lectures throughout the 2025-2026 academic year to spotlight niche and member-driven interests in neuroscience. These special sessions are inspired by student feedback and will delve into topics such as neuroscience in global medicine, the intersection of neuroscience and culture, and other emerging or underrepresented areas in the field. Designed to be flexible and dynamic, these pop-up lectures will occur sporadically and will aim to spark curiosity, foster discussion, and expand our understanding of neuroscience beyond the standard curriculum.
NeuroVation Challenge
The NeuroVation Challenge is a competition organized by the Grey Matter Project and designed to inspire and encourage students to bring neuroscience and medicine into their communities via innovative service projects. It is open to individuals, small teams (3-7 students), or entire Grey Matter Project chapters. Participants must be registered with the Grey Matter Project to participate. The mission of NeuroVation is to raise awareness of neurological diseases, disorders, or the broader field of neuroscience and psychology. Projects should emphasize education and direct community engagement, rather than funding.
Participants will submit a midway and final report that outline their goals, progress, challenges, and impact. All entries will be judged equally, regardless of group size. The competition is open to all high school students, including those outside of the Grey Matter Project. Finalists will be recognized during a virtual conference or an in-person session after the program in June.
Applications are open now through January 6, 2026. Students who register before October 31, 2025 will be given extra opportunities to collaborate with officials, get feedback on their projects, and participate in other workshops. Stay tuned for more information and the registration link.