The 26th Ockham Lecture - 'From Neurons to Perception: How Physics Opened the Black Box'

Given by Professor Irene Tracey, Nuffield Chair of Anaesthetic Science and Head of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, and Warden-elect of Merton College.

The lecture was introduced by the Sub-warden, Professor Judith Armitage, and was followed by a Q&A session.

Watch the lecture

Abstract

"With over 85 billion neurons making approximately 1.5x10¹⁴ connections (synapses) and a similar quantity of non-neuronal cells all within the adult human brain, it's a feat of brilliance and beauty that our perceptions and creative thinking arise from their interplay. Our knowledge of how this occurs has grown significantly in the past few decades, and physicists have been at the forefront of this wave in understanding. In this talk, I will walk you through some of the landmark discoveries and their application to the brain, highlighting Oxford’s major role in developing the modern field of neuroscience. Finally, I will give a brief overview of my own work using advanced neuroimaging to understand pain perception, pain relief and anaesthesia-induced altered states of consciousness."

The Ockham Lecture series

The Merton College Physics Lecture (the Ockham, or Occam, Lecture, so named in honour of one of the greatest—if unattested—alumni of the College and of his philosophical principle of intellectual discipline) started in 2009 and is held once a term. It is organised by the physics tutors of the College to promote both intellectual curiosity and social cohesion of the Merton Physics community.

Attendance is by invitation: All Merton physicists (and sympathisers!) belonging to the three Common Rooms (JCR, MCR and SCR) are invited, as are the Old Members. Their guests are also accommodated, space permitting.