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Instant Expert

Discover more about the brain’s hidden wonders

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
Event
Discover more about the brain’s hidden wonders
7 December 2024
10:00am - 5:00pm
Venue
Congress Centre, London

Instant Expert: Uncovering the mind’s mysteries

Saturday 7th December 2024, 10am - 5pm | Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS

***BOOK YOUR TICKET TODAY TO GET THE SUPER EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT***

If you’re reading these words, chances are you’re using a human brain to understand what these symbols mean. And your human brain is conscious of its own existence, unlike a photocopier or an AI chatbot.

But what is really going on inside this lump of interconnected tissue within your skull? And how can science help us understand how controversial topics such as the effect of screen time, how we can be happier and the difference between male and female brains?

Join six pioneering researchers who will illuminate the neural underpinnings of thought, emotion, and communication. Through the lens of neuroscience, psychology, and physiology, they will unveil the latest breakthroughs and explore strategies to optimise brain performance.

At this Instant Expert, you’ll:

- Discover the latest advances in brain research and how they could change our lives.

- Learn from leading experts in neuroscience, psychology, and physiology about the brain's inner workings.

- Explore the fascinating science behind our thoughts, feelings, and consciousness.

- Gain insights on how to boost your cognitive performance and live a healthier, happier life.

Talks and speakers:

TALK 1: How to be happy

Bruce Hood, Professor of Developmental Psychology in Society, Bristol University

We all yearn for greater happiness, but our brains can often be our own worst enemy. The Science of Happiness offers an evidence-based pathway to enhancing mental well-being by rewiring the way we think. In this talk, psychologist Bruce Hood delves into the complexities of why happiness can be so elusive and explores practical strategies for overcoming the brain's obstacles to our mental health.

TALK 2: Brains, games and screen time claims

Pete Etchells, Professor of Psychology and Science Communication, Bath Spa University

We've been bombarded with claims that digital technologies - from video games to social media and smartphones - hijack our brains by manipulating the dopamine reward system. This paints a picture of addictive and potentially harmful devices. But what does the actual science tell us about how tech interacts with our brains? In this talk, Pete Etchells will delve into the research, unravel the controversies surrounding digital addictions, and question whether this framework accurately captures our complex relationship with screens.

TALK 3: The Science of inner experience

Charles Fernyhough, Professor of Psychology, Durham University

Inner experience refers to the contents of consciousness such as inner speech, memories, visual imagery, embodied feelings, etc. Traditionally considered impossible to study because of its private nature, inner experience is emerging as a growing subfield of cognitive science, not least because of the development of new methods for investigating it. Above all, the study of inner experience demands to be approached as a collaborative, interdisciplinary endeavour, drawing in the humanities and social sciences as well as psychology, neuroscience, computer science, philosophy and other traditional cognitive science disciplines. In this talk, I describe some recent interdisciplinary explorations of some aspects of inner experience such as inner speech, memory and hallucinations, and how they have found applications in gaming, AI and the creative industries.

TALK 4: Making sense of Sensory Differences: tasty textures, spiteful sounds, and seeing with a blind mind's eye

Julia Simner, Professor of neuropsychology, University of Sussex

Renowned cognitive neuropsychologist Julia Simner will delve into the fascinating world of sensory perception and its neurodiversity. In this thought-provoking talk, she will explore how special populations experience the world differently through their 5 senses, focusing on the unusual experiences of synaesthesia, misophonia, aphantasia, objectophilia, and sensory sensitivities.

TALK 5: Baby brains and big surprises

Rebecca Lawson, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge

Join Professor Rebecca Lawson as she delves into the science of surprises and shares the latest research from her lab, aiming to unlock the secrets of surprise in baby brains and its potential to prevent adult neuropsychiatric disorders.

TALK 6: Overcoming anxiety

Olivia Remes, Mental Health Researcher, University of Cambridge

Hear about the latest research-backed strategies for overcoming anxiety. Drawing on her extensive studies, Olivia will share evidence-based techniques and strategies to build resilience and cultivate mental well-being. She will offer practical insights into managing anxiety symptoms, reducing stress, and promoting a healthier mindset.

Who should attend?

This masterclass is designed for everyone who wants to leave this Instant Expert feeling confident discussing the the neural underpinnings of thought, emotion, and communication.

  • Become an expert in one day
  • Informal set-up, meet like minded people
  • Open your mind, be inspired
  • Unique chance to ask your burning questions to our experts

NEW FOR 2024 / 2025: INSTANT EXPERT SERIES TICKET 

Our programme of Instant Expert events from November 2024 to April 2025 includes six fascinating topics to satisfy your scientific curiosity. 

From uncovering the strange world of quantum mechanics, unlocking the secrets of the subatomic universe, delving into the mysteries of the human mind or learning how to live a longer, healthier live, our Instant Expert event series will help you better understand the world around you and keep you up-to-date on the latest, most exciting, scientific research out there.  

PLUS, you can make big savings by booking early and signing up for one of our strictly limited multi-event series tickets.

Your series ticket includes access to the following six Instant Expert events, all taking place at the Congress Centre in London.

Instant Expert: Quantum mechanics and the future of physics

Saturday 9th November 2024, 10am - 5pm

Become an expert in the weird and wonderful world of quantum mechanics

Find out more 

Instant Expert: Uncovering the mind’s mysteries

Saturday 7th December 2024, 10am - 5pm 

Discover more about the neural underpinnings of thought and communication

Find out more 

Instant Expert: Inside the subatomic universe

Saturday 18th January 2025, 10am - 5pm 

Find out everything we know about the subatomic universe

Find out more 

Instant Expert: How to live a long, healthy life

Saturday 8th February 2025, 10am - 5pm 

Discover if science has the answers to a longer, healthier life

Find out more 

Instant Expert: Cosmology at the cutting-edge 

Saturday 15th March 2025, 10am - 5pm 

Join cosmology experts as they reveal the latest research about our universe

Find out more 

Instant Expert: Consciousness and the mind-body connection

Saturday 26th April 2024, 10am - 5pm

Find out how our minds and bodies are inextricably linked

Find out more 

What's included in your ticket:

In-depth and engaging talks from six leading scientists

Ask-an-expert Question Time session

Your chance to meet our six speakers and New Scientist host

Exclusive on-the-day New Scientist subscription deal, book and merchandise offers

Booking information:

All events will be held at the Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS

Doors will open at 9:15am, with talks commencing at 10am sharp. The event will finish at 5pm.

We require the name of each person attending - please ensure this is provided at the time of booking. If you need to change the name of an attendee, please notify us as soon as possible: live@newscientist.com

Eventbrite will email you your ticket(s) immediately after purchase. Please remember to bring your ticket(s) with you as you'll need it to gain entry. We can scan tickets from a print out, or off the screen of a phone / tablet / smartwatch.

The schedule / exact running order for the day will be confirmed closer to the event, and will be emailed to all ticket holders.

Lunch will not be provided at this event. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, or purchase lunch at one of the many establishments in the surrounding area.

Should you require details about disabled access, please contact us at: live@newscientist.com

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.

New Scientist reserves the right to alter the event and its line-up, or cancel the event. In the unlikely event of cancellation, all tickets will be fully refunded. New Scientist Ltd will not be liable for any additional expenses incurred by ticket holders in relation to the event.

Tickets are subject to availability and are only available in advance through Eventbrite.

Event
Discover more about the brain’s hidden wonders
7 December 2024
10:00am - 5:00pm
Venue
Congress Centre, London