Our brains have amazing abilities to function, even after the most severe head injuries…

Prof. Bob Rafal, Professor of Clinical Neuroscience and Neuropsychology at Bangor University's School of Psychology and Honorary Consultant Neurologist: North Wales Brain Injury Service describes our brains' amazing abilities to function, even after the most severe head injuries an a free public lecture: "A Tale of Two Head Injuries: The story of Phineas Gage and Eeadweard Muybridge" on Thursday, 3 December 2009, 6.30pm at the Main Arts Lecture Theatre (MALT), Bangor University.

The organisers, the Wales Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience (WICN) invites everyone with an interest in psychology to the latest talk in the season of free talks about how cognitive neuroscience impacts our
lives.

Prof. Rafal will explore the story of Phineas Gage, who suffered an accident in 1848 where a metal rod was propelled into his brain, but who died in San Francisco in 1860! In that same year, Eeadweard Muybridge set out from San Francisco and sustained a closed head injury in a road traffic accident. The injury released the creative genius of a brilliant artist, scientist and inventor – but also his darker side.

"I’ll tell the stories of these two men, whose lives were ironically linked, and of the doctors who treated them. Medicine and Psychology have much to learn from their stories; but much of what is taught about
them ain’t necessarily so," commented Professor Rafal.

These lectures are part of an ongoing series being hosted by WICN and the School of Psychology at Bangor University, one of the UK’s leading Psychology departments. The lectures will continue to give the public an opportunity to explore today’s themes and issues in the exciting field of Cognitive Neuroscience and will feature the latest research being undertaken by the University’s Psychology researchers and lecturers.

The lecture will be held in the Main Arts Lecture Theatre (MALT), College Road, and will start at 6.30 pm. The talk and follow-up questions will last approximately one and a half hours, and be followed
by light refreshments and an opportunity to meet and speak with Prof. Rafal.

All are welcome, no reservations are necessary, and parking is available.

For a map view http://www.bangor.ac.uk/tour/location.php.en (It’s No 51 on the key).

For more information on this lecture series you can also contact the WICN office on 01248 383811.