Predictive Thinking: How Your Brain Predicts the Future

22 October, 18:30, Hörsaal 1

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Ronald Sladky is a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Vienna, where he teaches courses on cognitive science and predicitive processing. His research focusses on the amygdala as well as emotion processing and social cognition in the human brain.

Teaser: According to the brain, it is the most fascinating organ in the universe. Despite all we have learned, we’re still far from fully understanding how it works, how it shapes our reality, and fuels both joy and sorrow. Yet, a groundbreaking new theory is capturing the attention of researchers worldwide. In this talk, I will gently introduce you to the Predictive Processing theory and Karl Friston's Free Energy Principle -  concepts that could transform the way we understand the brain and our everyday experiences. It turns out, thinking might not be what you think.

Artificial Thinking: How Does an Artificial Intelligence Think?

5 November, 18:30, Hörsaal 1

Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Moritz Grosse-Wentrup is Professor of Neuroinformatics. He is the Head of the Research Group "Neuroinformatics" (Faculty of Computer Science), Vice-Director of Studies "Computer Science Directorate of Doctoral Studies", and Deputy Head of the Research Group "Security and Privacy" (Faculty of Computer Sciences).

Chatbot Thinking: How Language (Does Not) Help Us Think

19 November, 18:30, Hörsaal 1

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jutta L. Mueller is Professor of Psycholinguistics at the Department of Linguistics (Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies). She is Vice-Director of Studies "Psychology, Cognition, Behaviour, and Neuroscience Directorate of Doctoral Studies" and heads the Psycholinguistics Lab Babelfisch.

Neurodivergent Thinking: Addressing Myths and Misconceptions about Autism

3 December, 18:30, Hörsaal 1

Assoz. Prof. Dr. Giorgia Silani is Deputy Head of the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology (Faculty of Psychology) and heads the Clinical Social Neuroscience Unit.

Alice Laciny, PhD is a Fellow at the Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research (KLI). Her postdoc work focusses on the influence of parasites on the morphology of ant hosts. Her current project at the KLI aims to review the body of current literature on this topic and highlight the overlapping aspects of ecology, evolution and ontogenetic development therein.

Teaser: This talk will explore how scientific research can dismantle common
stereotypes about autism, fostering a more accurate and inclusive
understanding of the condition. By highlighting key findings in
neuroscience and psychology, we will challenge outdated notions that
paint autism as a homogeneous disorder defined solely by deficits.
Instead, we will emphasize the diversity within the autism spectrum,
focusing on strengths, individual variability, and the importance of
neurodiversity. The talk aims to encourage the application of scientific
insights to promote acceptance, reduce stigma, and improve support for
autistic individuals in society.

Political Thinking: What Role Do Emotions Play in Politics?

17 December, 18:30, Hörsaal 1

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Sophie Lecheler is Professor of Communication Science with a focus on Political Communication at the Department of Communication.

Cultural Thinking: Why Are Movies Getting Dumber?

7 January, 18:30, Hörsaal 1

Dr. Mauricio Martins is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology (SCAN-Unit). His work focuses on the cognitive and cultural mechanisms underlying the representation of hierarchies, and the processes involved in the acquisition of those representations.

Urban Thinking: How Does Aesthetics in Urban Planning Influence Our Thinking?

21 January 2025, 18:30, Hörsaal 1

Dr. Jan Mikuni is a postdoctoral researcher in the WWTF-funded project "Urban Intervention with Art in Public Space".

Teaser: In recent years, science has suggested that aesthetic experience could promote well-being. This lecture discusses how aesthetics and people's aesthetic experiences in urban environments could inform, shape, and help urban planning to make cities attractive and healthy places to live.

Future Thinking: An Introduction

8 October, 18:30, Hörsaal 1

Schedule:

• Introductory words by Helmut Leder
• Introduction to Future Thinking by Moritz Grosse-Wentrup
• Discussion about Future Thinking with Elisabeth Oberzaucher (additional speakers tbc)

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Helmut Leder is Professor of Empirical Aesthetics and Speaker of the Vienna CogSciHub.

Univ.-Prof. Dr. -Ing. Moritz Grosse-Wentrup is Professor of Neuroinformatics and Member of the Vienna CogSciHub Management Board.

Dr. Elisabeth Oberzaucher is a biologist and evolutionary psychologist, scientific director of Urban Human, and member of the Science Busters. Her research focuses on human behavior and cognition.