The Neuroscience of Laughter (Centre for the Creative Brain)
Laughter is a fundamental part of what makes us human. In this event. St Edmund Hall’s Centre for the Creative brain invites you to learn the science of why we laugh.

The Oxford Imps are an improvisational comedy troupe who have been making Oxfordians laugh since 2003. The group is formed of both Oxford students and residents. They perform at the Jericho Tavern every Monday evening during term time. On top of that, they perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival every summer, and have toured France, the USA, South Africa, Holland, and Bosnia.

Professor Sophie Scott is a neuroscientist at University College London. Her main area of research is the neuroscience of vocal communication, including the communication of emotion through laughter. Professor Scott’s work was the first to show a difference in brain responses to involuntary, spontaneous laughter and communicative, controlled laughter. Her research has shown that laughter is a crucial part of cognition, communication, and mental health. As part of her research process, Professor Scott trained as a stand-up comedian.

This event is FREE and OPEN TO ALL! We welcome undergraduates, postgraduates, comedians, scientists, and all curious people. The Centre for the Creative Brain is generously endorsed by St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford.
Date: 9 June 2023, 18:00 (Friday, 7th week, Trinity 2023)
Venue: St Edmund Hall, Queen's Lane, Oxford OX1 4AR
Speaker: Professor Sophie Scott (UCL)
Organising department: Department of Experimental Psychology
Organiser contact email address: caroline.harbison@psy.ox.ac.uk
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-neuroscience-of-laughter-tickets-646928960937
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Regula Dent