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BNA Christmas Symposium 2018 - Neuromyths, and the science behind them


NEUROMYTHS, AND THE SCIENCE BEHIND THEM

17th December 2018
KCL, the Strand Campus, London WC2R 2LS

In collaboration with King's College London

This topic will give us the opportunity to discuss common misconceptions about brain mechanisms, (e.g. that we only use 10% of the brain); the science of why and how neuromyths arise (e.g. cognitive biases) and ways the neuroscience community can help address or prevent mis-understandings inneuroscience.

Neuromyths emerge in many forms, and research suggests that people are often seduced by neuroscientific explanations, even if these are not accurate or even relevant. 

Scientists and neuroscientists are by no means immune to neuromyths either; studies have shown that trained neuroscientists as well as the general public still find them hard to dismiss.

Such myths can be a drain on time and money, and it is important to explore and expose them, determine their impact, and to consider how we can address them.

Programme

Confirmed speakers include:

Cordelia Fine (Melbourne, Australia - by Skype!) on the differences and lack of differences between male and female brains

David Nutt (Imperial College London) - "Antidepressants: myth or miracle?"

Duncan Astle (Cambridge University) - "Neuromyths in education"

Chris McManus (UCL) - "Left and right, hands and brains, myths and truths"

Twitter's @Neuro_Skeptic on all things neuromythical! 

Emma Yhnell (Cardiff) - "Brain-training: what does the future hold?"

Helene Joffe (UCL) discussing neuroscientists' role in dispelling neuromyths and preventing them arising to start with.

The day starts with registration and coffee at 9.30 and ends with a wine reception at 17.40 - 19.00.

Full programme will be available shortly. 

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Venue

The meeting will be held at the Edmond J Safra Lecture Theatre, KCL Strand Campus, London WC2R 2LS. See map 

Getting here by underground: Temple (District and Circle lines): 2 minute walk. Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines): 10 minute walk.  Embankment (District, Circle and Bakerloo lines): 10 minute walk.  Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City lines): 12 minute walk. Holborn (Central and Picadilly lines): 12 minute walk. Chancery Lane (Central line): use exit 4 - 15 minute walk.

By train: Charing Cross: 9 minute walk. Waterloo: 12 minute walk. Waterloo East: 10 minute walk. Blackfriars: 12 minute walk.

By bus: Buses stopping outside the university: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, X68, 168, 171, 172, 176 (24 hour), 188, 243 (24 hour), 341 (24 hour), 521, RV1.

Parking: There is no public parking, but a pay and display parking system operates in nearby streets including Surrey Street.

Posted on 18/09/2018

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