Sixth form students at Shireland Collegiate Academy explored cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging during a guest lecture delivered by Professor Gina Rippon from Aston University.
The session was delivered through Futures for All’s Speakers for Schools programme, which brings professionals from across academia and industry into state schools to broaden students’ horizons and inform future study and career choices.
Professor Rippon, a cognitive neuroimaging researcher at Aston University, introduced students to how brain imaging techniques are used to investigate the relationship between brain activity and behaviour. This included how such methods are applied in scientific research.
She also discussed ethical questions within neuroscience, drawing on her experience advising government bodies and her published work on the responsible interpretation of psychology research. Particularly in relation to misinformation and public understanding.
The lecture provided students with an insight into psychology at university level, including potential pathways into the subject and related specialist fields within neuroscience and cognitive science.
Professor Rippon’s research focuses on typical and atypical brain development, including dyslexia and autism. She has also contributed to the development of the Aston Brain Centre, a specialist facility for brain imaging research.
Alongside her academic work, she has served on government advisory bodies and published in the field of bioethics. Her wider work has examined the risks of misinterpreting neuroscience research, particularly where findings are used to reinforce social stereotypes or misrepresented by public media channels.
Ben Brogan, Head of Sixth Form at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “We were pleased to welcome Professor Rippon for a session that gave students a clear sense of what studying psychology and neuroscience at university level involves. Experiences like this are so important for our students because they expose them to the expectations and style of academic thinking beyond school.
“It also helps students make informed decisions about their next steps and in reinforcing our ambition for them to progress successfully into competitive career pathways, whether that be through university, apprenticeships or employment.”
Futures for All is the UK’s leading social mobility charity, founded in 2010 as Speakers for Schools by ITV Political Editor Robert Peston. It has grown into one of the largest providers of work experience and inspirational speaker programmes for state-educated young people, supporting almost two million students across more than 2,200 schools and colleges.
Through its programmes, Futures for All connects students with leading figures across sectors, supporting social mobility by giving young people access to insight, aspiration and real-world understanding of future pathways.
