Event Details

IoN Seminar: The quest for genius and the search for Einstein's brain

Mark Lythgoe (UCL, Institute of Child Health)
Venue: HWB 218
Date: 4th December 2008
Time: 16:00 - 17:00

In this lecture, Mark will speak about his journey to find Einstein's brain and explore the nature of Einstein's genius. Mark will also take a playful look at whether we are born to be an artist or scientist and ask are certain brain types pre-disposed for specific occupations. Are we born a blank slate or do we inherit our abilities? Finally this lecture will examine whether Einstein's brain was unique and asks whether we have any potential to unlock our the creativity mind.

Dr Mark Lythgoe is Director of the Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging at University College London, where he develops novel techniques for investigating brain and cardiac function, and explores possible therapies for stroke and epilepsy. He is also interest in the neurobiology of creativity and the emergence of artistic behaviour following brain injury.

In the last 15 years Mark has combined science and art to engage with the public, explore new boundaries and increase collaboration between these fields in various forms. He has produced many sci/art projects and collaborated with a wide variety of artist to create works from sculpture to film. In 2006 Mark designed and produced the sci/art exhibition AfterImage, which investigated our perception of light and colour, as part of the Dan Flavin exhibition at the Hayward Gallery.   Finally, Mark contributes to public engagement activities in his capacity as a member of judging and advisory panels for the Royal Society 2010 Anniversary Programme Board, Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year, for the Aventis Prize for Science Books, the Visions of Science Photographic competition and the FameLab competition, and is a member of the board of directors and charity trustees for Arts Catalyst.

Host: Anya Hurlbert 




This item was added 13th December 2007


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