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¹û¶³Ó°ÔºIC academic stars in Brain Sciences Comedy Night

11 July 2024

A celebration of interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrating how humour can bridge the gap between academia and the public

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On 28 June 2024, in a delightful blend of humour and academia, the Bloomsbury Theatre hosted the ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Brain Sciences Comedy Night, a unique event where scholars turned into comedians explored the lighter side of psychology, human-computer interaction and brain sciences.

Led by stand-up comedian Abigoliah Schamaun, the event seamlessly blended professional comedy with academic expertise. Abigoliah’s sharp wit and charismatic presence kept the audience engaged throughout the evening, ensuring a smooth transition between individual sketches. Prof Sophie Scott, a cognitive neuroscientist known for her research on vocal communication, especially laughter, was the show organiser and her performance offered new insights about frogs and explosive insects. Prof Peter Fonagy, Dr Oliver Vikbladh, postgraduate students Jake Mainwaring and Emma Soopramanien, Ìýand PhD student Ramandeep Mungur also contributed to the evening.

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¹û¶³Ó°ÔºIC Lecturer joined the ‘stars’ and made his comedy debut. He captivated the audience with witty insights on his old friend, social anxiety. Why is it so hard for us sometimes to connect with others? How does social anxiety manifest online? And why are games an amazing tool for mental health? Martin explored possible answers to all these questions.

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The event was more than just a comedy show; it was a celebration of interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrating how humour can bridge the gap between academia and the public. Attendees left with not only smiles on their faces but also a deeper appreciation for the fascinating world of brain sciences and human-computer interaction.

The success of the evening promises more similar events in the future, continuing to demystify and humanise the world of academic research through the universal language of laughter.

ÌýA recording of the night can be found here:Ìý