Exploring teenagers' mental health through brain games

On the exhibition ship MS Wissenschaft, teenagers can support basic neurobiological research with the “Brain Explorer” app starting May 7

Mental illnesses most often emerge during adolescence. According to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in November 2025, more than 14 percent of adolescents in the European Union are affected by a mental disorder. The trend: rising. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the number of mental health treatments in Germany has increased most sharply among 10- to 19-year-olds: in 2024, approximately one-third more were admitted to inpatient treatment compared to 2004. 

“Early detection and timely treatment of psychiatric disorders in adolescence are essential. If such problems are not recognized or are only inadequately recognized at this age, they can persist into adulthood,” explains neuroscientist Prof. Dr. Tobias Hauser, Professor of Computational Psychiatry at the University of Tübingen and a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, who has developed an interactive smartphone app to identify mental disorders in adolescents.

“Brain Explorer” examines how the brain develops

The app, called “Brain Explorer,” is now a key component and important tool in his basic research in Tübingen. This is a citizen science project in which members of the general public can help scientists from Hauser’s team better understand the connection between the brain and mental health.
The app therefore offers games for different age groups that test participants’ brain functions. For basic research, it is particularly helpful that this method allows for the collection of a vast amount of anonymized data from people around the world. “More than 15,000 people have participated so far,” comments Tobias Hauser.

Part of the exhibition on the MS Wissenschaft from May to September 

Under the motto of Science Year 2026, Medicine of the Future, Brain Explorer will be presented on the MS Wissenschaft. When it’s time to “Cast off!” again starting May 7, the exhibition ship will make stops at numerous locations in Germany and Austria. Visitors can interactively try out the exhibit there and experience firsthand how basic research on mental health works. Users can also voluntarily fill out questionnaires about their mental well-being. All data is collected anonymously and used solely for scientific purposes.
 

At the MS Wissenschaft, visitors can actively engage with around 30 exhibits. It is recommended for ages 12 and up. In addition, there is a diverse program of events as well as numerous workshops for school classes. Admission is free.