“We are on the verge of creating a new image of ourselves,” says biopsychologist Prof. Onur Güntürkün (Ruhr-Universität Bochum), who defined the programme for this year’s Leopoldina Annual Assembly. Prior empirical models, which attribute a person’s character and abilities to either genetic or environmental factors, are being replaced by new insights into the interplay between various factors. But how exactly does the interaction of mind, brain, genes and society shape the individual? At the Assembly, scientists will approach this very question in around 20 lectures. The academics who will speak at the event include psychologists, neuroscientists, geneticists, medical doctors and humanities scholars.

Some events taking place during the Annual Assembly are also aimed at the general public, such as the lecture entitled “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Nobel laureate Prof. Daniel Kahneman (Princeton University) on Friday at 8 p.m. Kahneman will give the audience exciting new insights into the human decision-making process. He believes that two systems of reasoning affect our judgement: fast-acting intuition and slower rational consideration. Another lecture at the Annual Assembly will be the Leopoldina Lecture on Sunday at 11:45 a.m., when British neuroscientist Prof. Chris Frith (University College London) will ask how the human brain creates culture. 

During the official opening ceremony on Friday morning, the Leopoldina will present prizes and medals to eleven scientists for their outstanding achievements. The Academy will also announce two honorary sponsors.

In a promotional video introducing topics that will be discussed at the Annual Assembly Prof. Onur Güntürkün, who defined the programme for the Assembly, presents a biopsychological trick that makes our brain think we have a third arm. The video, the complete programme of the Annual Assembly and abstracts of the lectures can be found via the links on the right.