​ Participants who meet a predetermined cutoff score, based on overall performance in the Open examinations, will advance to the semifinals. In this stage, the challenge intensifies with free response questions evaluated by qualified researchers, delving deeper into the participants' ability to articulate and apply their understanding of neuroscientific concepts.

The "Opens" round is an extensive evaluation designed to assess participants' analytical and critical thinking skills. This round challenges students to delve into research papers, interpret complex scientific data, and generate insightful questions and inquiries, ensuring a broad and in-depth understanding of neuroscience concepts.