"Inside the adolescent brain: what developmental science reveals and why it matters for the justice system"

Prof. Sarah J. BLAKEMORE (DevelopmentalCognitive Neuroscience Group - University of Cambridge - U.K) :

When: 1st of June - 11 am

Where: Salle des Voûtes.
 

Abstract: Adolescence is a period of biological, cognitive and social development, shaped by environmental influences including family, peers, education and broader cultural contexts. It is also the developmental stage during which many mental health difficulties first emerge, making it a critical window for early identification, prevention and intervention. This talk will examine how research in developmental cognitive neuroscience has advanced our understanding of adolescence, with a particular focus on heightened sensitivity to social feedback and increased vulnerability to environmental stressors. It will further consider how these scientific insights extend beyond the lab, with implications for education, public health and the legal system, where developmental evidence is increasingly informing policy. By connecting scientific evidence with societal relevance, I will make the case for developmentally informed policies and practices that better support young people across multiple domains of their lives.

As usual welcoming coffee 15’ before.