AR Events

Out of Focus – When the Brain Wanders Too Much

In our modern society, people are expected to behave according to certain norms. We assume that if one person can do a task well, everyone else should be able to, if they try hard enough. In fact, not all brains are wired the same way! For example, most of our jobs include many tasks that require us to maintain constant focus. While some people have no problems dealing with these aspects of our society, others quickly become disengaged from repetitive tasks and constantly look for new stimulation.
Gut Thinking – How your Microbes Influence your Life

On Thursday, April 21st, 2016 at 9pm we will explore the importance of the gut microbiota and its role in guiding our behavior – the so-called gut-brain interaction. We will discuss where our microbes come from, how they affect our behavior and how they interact with the immune system.
Rebuilding from Conflict – The Power of Education in Emergencies

Imagine a society without higher education. No doctors to care for the sick; no architects to build homes; no entrepreneurs to start new businesses. During crises, like the current civil war in Syria, a generation of students is left stranded and unable to finish their studies. Without them, the future of their country is at risk in the decades to come. Who will rebuild?
The Invisible Link – dialogues between lab and clinic in neurodegenerative disorders

Parkinson’s Diseases, Huntington’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis. We’ve all heard of these conditions. What are we doing as a society to fight against these diseases? At “The invisible link – dialogues between lab and clinic in Neurodegenerative disorders”, we decided to explore two approaches that may appear distinct, but are in fact tightly linked – basic and clinical research.
Pain – is it all in the mind?

2015 – Pain is a complex neurological phenomenon, involving a highly intricate web of biological, psychological, and social mechanisms. Join us in our attempt to tackle the cultural and scientific challenges of Pain.

Out of Focus – Event Video

The full stream video of the 2016 Ar event – Out of Focus – When the Brain Wanders too Much
Learning and Education

The full streaming video of the 2012 event: Learning & Education
Creativity: The Playground of the Brain

The full streaming video of the 2012 event: Creativity: The Playground of the Brain
How the Brain Got Its Wrinkles, and Other Stories

Part of series of short clips addressing common brain myths. The clips were made for the Ar event “How the Brain Got Its Wrinkles, and Other Stories”.
Mindfullness: Finding Peace in a Frantic World

2015 – The benefits of mindfulness in preventing serious depression and emotional distress have been proven by clinical trials. Mindfulness — cultivated by simple forms of meditation — also works for people struggling to keep up with the constant demands of the modern world. Studies have shown that by investing a few minutes each day, anyone can learn the techniques of mental training and incorporate them into daily life to help break the cycle of anxiety, depression and exhaustion, and to enhance their creative potential. With new brain imaging techniques, scientists can also see the changes that take place in the brains of people who learn to meditate. These changes help scientists understand the physical and psychological mechanisms that make mindfulness effective and to develop effective interventions to help people suffering mental distress.

What are the latest discoveries in neuroscience that can help us understand the brain, consciousness, memory and attention? What practical advice is there on detecting and coping with stress? What is “mindfulness,” why is it important and how does one practice it?
Dancing in the Brain – Ar Spring 2014

A preview of the upcoming Ar programme promoted by students and researchers of the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme. It will be
Emergence – Video

You are not alone in the universe. While leading your busy life you are constantly interacting with other human beings and your environment in diverse ways. Every other human being is doing the same. If we could step aside and look at the tapestry of all this activity at the same time, what patterns would emerge?

See what we have explored during our 2011 Ar event Emergence – Patterns on the Edge of Chaos

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Us or Them? Escaping the Echo Chambers – an Ar in a Bar

Love & Sex in Mind! – Ar in a Bar

Out of Focus – Event Video

Learning and Education

Creativity: The Playground of the Brain

How the Brain Got Its Wrinkles, and Other Stories

Mindfullness: Finding Peace in a Frantic World

Dancing in the Brain – Ar Spring 2014

Emergence – Video