This year, the festival showcased over 40 events in 36 towns and cities, providing a platform for researchers to share their groundbreaking scientific discoveries with a wide audience. Three of our academics delivered talks covering memory, dementia and cognitive enhancement at the Man of Kent, a local pub in Rochester.
The first lecture, titled “In pursuit of the superhuman…” was delivered by Amir-Homayoun Javadi, a Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Neuroscience. Javadi explored the concept of enhancing cognitive abilities in everyday life through electric brain stimulation. The lecture prompted thought-provoking discussions on the ethical implications and potential restrictions associated with such applications. To further engage the audience, a fun and interactive game called “Pin the brain” was played, allowing participants to assess their knowledge in a playful manner.
The second lecture, “The depths of memory,” was presented by Zara Bergstrom, a Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology. Bergstrom delved into the fascinating mechanisms behind how our brains prevent the retrieval of unwanted memories or update existing ones. She introduced the audience to electroencephalograms (EEG) and memory tests as tools for investigating brain activity and demonstrated their real-life application in cases such as “brain fingerprinting” as seen in the “Making a Murderer” TV series.
The final lecture, “Brain injury and dementia,” was delivered by Romina Vuono, a Lecturer in Neuroscience & Brain Disease. Vuono shed light on the potential impact of lifestyle decisions and genetic factors on the development of dementia. With the number of people living with dementia in the UK predicted to reach 1 million by 2025, she highlighted how everyday brain injuries or those incurred during sports activities like boxing or heading a football can increase susceptibility to this devastating disease.
Throughout the event, the audience remained highly engaged, actively participating in discussions and asking insightful questions. The academics delivered exceptional lectures, showcasing their expertise and effectively conveying complex concepts in an accessible manner. The combination of informative talks and interactive elements made the event a resounding success, leaving the attendees with a deeper understanding of memory, dementia, and cognitive enhancement.
Overall, the event provided a unique opportunity for the public to engage with academic experts and gain valuable insights into fascinating areas of research. The lectures not only educated the audience but also encouraged critical thinking and stimulated meaningful discussions surrounding the topics of memory, dementia, and cognitive enhancement.