From Neurons to Nature: Weaving Science, Self, and Sustainability

Sex and gender differences are found in most mental health conditions. Does this mean that men's and women's brains are fundamentally different – and that understanding these differences can help us understand mental health? Or does that kind of binary thinking limit progress? I'll explore why we (still) know less about women's health, why sex should be included as a biological factor in research, and why the influence of sex isn't binary but one of many variables influencing mental health.

Magnets make fascinating toys but they also play an important role in modern technolgy. Unfortunately, some of their components are rare and difficult to mine. I am working on discovering alternative magnetic materials that are easier to mine and more abundant. In this talk, I will show how we design new magnetic materials based on small atomic building blocks and how changing the arrangement of these building blocks affects the structure and properties of these materials.

The scientific consensus is clear: global emissions must be drastically reduced to limit the worst effects of climate change. But what does this require from individual countries? How should emission reductions be shaped in light of differing national circumstances? Researchers examine various pathways to deep decarbonisation. Let us engage in a thought experiment: together, we will design a future energy system and see how it aligns with current debates in mitigation science.