Some images from the laboratory

Here, we use synthetic 'brain-imaging' techniques on an artificial neural network to see how its activation state changes across learning. (See Thomas, M. S. C., Purser, H. R. M., Tomlinson, S., & Mareschal, D. (2012). Are imaging and lesioning convergent methods for assessing functional specialisation? Investigations using an artificial neural network. Brain and Cognition, 78, 38-49.)

As the network develops, it shows emerging specialisation of different skills to different streams within the structure.

A lab member's brain. Here, the lab member is aware he is performing a language task and is attempting only to use the left side of his brain, in line with the existing scientific literature. Homer Simpson looks on, using neither side of his brain.

A synergy between Pointillism and self-organising neural networks:

An early phase of an abandoned project to replace each lab member with an identical android and go to the beach:

The Christmas party:

Fred fails to win another fencing competition:

Fiona dances:

A recent lab meeting to discuss Any Other Business:

Fred considers primate cognition. Primate considers bamboo snack.

Roberto Donadoni, then Italian football manager, visits the MRI facility. He kindly participated in a functional scan identifying brain areas responsible for detecting biological motion. Like kicking a football.

Stills from 2008 children's BBC programme called "Brainjitsu", on which Fred was scientific consultant. The programme sought to use games to train particular parts of the brain. "Feel the burn!" as the voiceover man said.

Stills from 2008 Channel 4 documentary "Child genius". The lab collaborated with programme makers by scanning the brain of a child genius.

Christmas festivities 2008

Fred fails to win more fencing competitions, this time failing for his country.

A year goes by: Christmas festivities 2010

To celebrate receiving his doctorate, and to show his commitment to psychology, Roberto has the Greek letter for psychology ('psi') tattooed on his forearm. Go, Roberto!

The DNL attend the Afasic charity dinner in 2011, and mingle with politicians (John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons), and celebrities (Derek Jacobi, Sally Bercow) ... and of course, other academics.

Fred runs a twin experiment to investigate whether Christmas is inherited. These DZ twins both show similar effects, implying an environmental cause for Christmas.

Updated 03/01/12