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ICR Masthead

Is genius born or made? Unlocking your inner creativity

Speaker: Dr. Mark Lythgoe
22nd April

Ever since the first bright spark discovered fire, the recipe for genius has been one of society's most alluring quests. Yet, historically, our conception of genius has been elusive. The very idea that it could be explained seems to run counter to its essence. So, can the insights of modern neuroscience help us define and understand this phenomenon? Are you born to be an artist or scientist? What can stroke patients tell us about artistic ability? And what does a neuroscientist think it takes to unlock our inner creativity?

Dr. Mark Lythgoe is a neurophysiologist at the Institute of Child Health, University College London. He runs the experimental MRI facility, developing novel techniques for brain imaging, and is actively interested in the neurobiology of creativity. Mark is passionately involved in the public engagement of science, and has collaborated with a wide variety of artists to create works from sculpture to film. He has recently presented a documentary series for the BBC on the science of attraction and compatibility called Is this the one?, and a Channel 4 programme, investigating the neuroscience behind genius, called The Secret of Einstein's Brain. He has also just finished a series for the Discovery Channel and Channel 4 called Zapped, on the interaction of electricity with the human body and the brain.