Creativity
Through Advanced Brain Mapping and Stimulation

Creativity is the driving force behind every progress in human civilization yet it is one of the least understood cognitive constructs. As it is complex and multifaceted, we need to have multi-measure neuroscientific approach in order to reveal the neuronal mechanisms underlying various stages of creative problem solving. Using a combination of neuroimaging techniques like ultra high field fMRI, high density EEG, I presented the neuronal trajectory of creative cognition. Specifically I showed that the insightful Aha! moments are linked to a sudden release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, and further there are distinct neural precursors to such Aha! moments. Finally I presented some recent findings showing how brain stimulation can specifically benefit our creative thinking by overcoming persistent mental biases.

Professor Joydeep Bhattacharya
Goldsmiths, University of London

3.00pm to 4.00pm in 01AC02

Joy is a Professor of Psychology at Goldsmiths since 2009. He directs the EEG Laboratory at Goldsmiths. Before joining Goldsmiths in 2006, he was at various places including Austrian Academy of Sciences, California Institute of Technology and Max Planck Institute. He was trained as a Electronics engineer in the Indiannan Institute of Technology. He has published over 90 research articles and a monograph. His research findings have been covered by major media (print, radio, tv etc) outlets worldwide (BBC, ABC, Good Morning America, New Yorker, WSJ, Economist etc).