Neuroscience for All
Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Leiden University
Are men really better at reading maps? Does classical music really make you smart? There are many unsubtle, stereotypical ideas about both music and spatial ability. Clinical Neuropsychology researchers in Leiden are focusing on science communication about the brain, particularly involving music and spatial ability. They also devote time and effort to informing interested parties about health applications to help people with brain disorders.
The researchers’ scientific communication activities are varied in both form and content. They give public lectures and organise public experiments or science events. In addition, they often give interviews in magazines, podcasts, newspapers and on TV, and they run websites with news about their own research and downloadable manuals for use by clinical practitioners, for example. In addition to providing information for the general public, the researchers also keep patient organisations and clinical specialists informed through lectures, demonstrations, and articles for clinical journals and patient associations.
Using accessible language, they have a long-term commitment to science communication about the brain. The grant from the Rewarded! Fund will help them develop current science communication work and place the importance of brain research and neuroscience on the agenda throughout the Netherlands.
Websites:
Universiteit Leiden – Sectie Gezondheids-, Medische en Neuropsychologie
Rebeccaschafer.net
Coordinator:
Rebecca Schaefer, universitair hoofddocent
Other group members:
Ineke van der Ham, universitair hoofddocent
Michiel Claessen, universitair hoofddocent
Martijn Coers, onderzoeksmedewerker
Joram E. van Ketel, onderzoeksmedewerker
