Throughout the course of History, humans have shown a keen interest in testing and overcoming their limits in many different ways. Running ultra-long distances non-stop for several days, venturing into the dangers of the sea on a tiny a sailboat, and floating in zero-gravity inside a tin-can in the void of space are just a few examples of how limits appear as irresistible temptations just waiting to be surpassed.

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.

  At Gut Thinking – How your Microbes Influence your Life our ITQB collaborators have swabbed  samples from around 80 different members of the audience and

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.

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?