FutureNeuro is excited to announce the winners of our very first “My Unique Brain” art competition! Young artists from across Ireland blew us away with their creativity, using everything from paint and collage to prints and drawings to showcase the beauty, complexity, and uniqueness of their brains. 

The competition was inspired by the success of FutureNeuro’s Head with Harmony event in 2023, which used music to connect science with the community, raising awareness of brain health and neurological conditions. Through powerful performances and personal stories, the event highlighted the impact of FutureNeuro’s research on patients and families. Building on this momentum, the “My Unique Brain” competition was launched to give young people a platform to explore and celebrate the uniqueness of their brains while promoting inclusivity and understanding through art. 

Colette performing at A Head with Harmony.

Colette Delahunt, FutureNeuro PPI Panel Member and Lead on ‘A Head with Harmony’, said: “The A Head with Harmony project is close to my heart, as I believe the Arts have immense potential to highlight brain health and neurological research. The success of its latest initiative, the My Unique Brain art competition, was truly inspiring. The artworks provided a fascinating glimpse into the hopes, dreams, and humour of the participants. This initiative was a fantastic way to spark interest and raise awareness of brain health among children and young adults.”

The competition was judged by Joe Hallam, a talented young artist from the Connections Art Centre. Joe’s work was recently featured in the Connecting Artists 2024 exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons, a programme that empowers artists with intellectual disabilities while breaking down stigma in the arts.

Reflecting on the experience, Joe Hallam said, “It was a great honour to be asked to judge the competition.  I thought all the art was amazing and struggled to choose the winners.  They were all amazing.  I really enjoyed the theme and I learnt a lot and was inspired.”

And the Winners Are… 

Ages 4–6 Years: 

• Joint First Prize: Ida Darcy, Heather O’Rahilly, and Fiona Fouget-Artola 

Ages 7–9 Years: 

• Joint First Prize: Lena Keogh, Mina Darcy, and Eimear Conroy 

Ages 10–11 Years: 

• Joint First Prize: Ruby Lynch and Luch Clarkson 

• Second Prize: Anna Ryan 

• Third Prize: Sara Osman 

Ages 13–15 Years: 

• Joint First Prize: Molly Gallagher and Mia-Lily Ruttle 

Additional Needs Category: 

• Joint First Prize: Freya Jordan and Richard Murphy 

• Second Prize: Ophaly Lodge (St. Michael’s House) 

A Celebration of Creativity and Connection 

The “My Unique Brain” competition isn’t just about art—it’s about celebrating the incredible complexity of the brain and raising awareness about brain health.

FutureNeuro Director, Prof David Henshall said, “We’ve been blown away by the talent and thoughtfulness of these young artists. Their work shows how powerful creativity can be in helping us explore the things that make us who we are.”

The winning pieces will soon get their moment in the spotlight, with plans to feature them in a special publication. 

More Than Just Art 

This competition is part of FutureNeuro’s mission to connect science with the arts, creating inclusive platforms where young people can express themselves, challenge misconceptions, and inspire others. 

Huge congratulations to all our winners—and to everyone who participated for sharing your unique perspectives and creativity.