Australian Skeptics in the Pub - GOOGLE MAPS FOR THE BRAIN?

Our speaker DR STEVE KASSEM from NeuRA will talk about his work on brain mapping: visualising and defining the brain.

The brain is intricately complex and has more connections between its neurons than all the stars in the universe. But imagine if a neurosurgeon were able to pinpoint the location of a tumour with microscopic accuracy. Not only that, but what if they could plan their route to get there the same way you plug a destination into Google Maps?

Dr Steve Kassem is working on just that. He will talk about brain mapping and the general organisation of the brain, some concepts of evolution that are augmenting our view of the brain, and the differences and gaps in the literature on brain maps (specifically child maps) and then touch on some myths about the brain and how incorrect they are.

Dr Steve Kassem completed his BSc at the University of Sydney in Neuroscience and Psychology. He then went on to complete his honours year at the Brain and Mind Research Institute. Following his PhD (for which he won the Peter Bancroft Award for research excellence and a thesis which did not require amendment), Dr Kassem was appointed a postdoctoral fellowship to work with Scientia Professor George Paxinos AO. Prof Paxinos and Dr Kassem were recently awarded an NHMRC Ideas grant to support their work on mapping the brain.

After the presentation:
Following the presentation and question time, we will hand the microphone over to one audience member for a 5 minute chat on a sceptical topic of their choice. It can be a news item, your own sceptical "special subject" or an encounter with everyday scepticism. If you're interested in sharing something with your fellow pubbers, contact us before the talk.
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On the first Thursday of each month, Australian Skeptics and friends get together for Skeptics in the Pub. People generally start arriving at around 6pm after work. The talk begins at 7pm and lasts for about 30 minutes. The night finishes when the last person leaves.

Enjoy a meal and a drink accompanied by lively discussion, free spoon bending lessons and the company of other sceptics, as we cover a variety of interesting topics.

There is no need to belong to Australian Skeptics - all are welcome. Bring friends too.

Please take a moment to read our Code of Conduct.

REMINDER - If you are feeling ill or showing any signs or symptoms of a possible COVID (or indeed any) infection, please do not attend.

Parking is available nearby at:

• 71 York Street Car Park (Wilson Parking)
• Landmark Car Park (Secure Parking), 24 York Street
• 321 Kent Street Car Park (Wilson Parking), ENTRY 86 Sussex Street
• Queen Victoria Building Car Park (Wilson Parking), 111 York Street