About this day
For A level and IB students
Join us at Psychology in Action for an exciting day of informative sessions and inspirational stories that will give your students real insight into psychology beyond the classroom. Our experienced speakers will deliver five engaging sessions that examine the theories and applications of psychology in the modern world.
The day will also include a special session on examination success designed to provide students with the tools that they need to excel. With plenty of opportunities to directly engage with the speakers, this event is sure to help your students realise their potential, and discover how psychology applies to their studies, careers, and daily lives. Book now to secure your places!
Host: Helen Pilcher (Science Writer and Presenter) Exam Session: Rosie Husssain (Director of Teaching and Learning)
“A great opportunity for our students’ ideas about psychology to be stretched and challenged beyond the A-level specification.”
— Lady Eleanor Holles, Autumn 2024 —
Programme & speakers
Dance and the brain Peter Lovatt, Director of Dance Psychology at Movement in Practice

At the Dance Psychology Lab we study everything to do with the psychology of dance and dancers. What’s the link between dancing and the brain? How does dancing change the way we think and solve problems? Why is the way we move linked to our hormonal and genetic makeup? This is the science of dance.
About Dr Peter Lovatt
Peter is a former professional dancer who spent over 25 years working in universities as an academic psychologist interested in the effect that dancing and moving has on people.
The present and future of the brain Guy Sutton, Director, Neurorama and Medical Biology Interactive

This lecture will explore current developments in brain research, from neuroimaging techniques to the rise of brain organoids and brain computer interfaces. What is happening in research now and what you can expect in your lifetime. Brain nerd heaven.
About Dr Guy Sutton
Dr Guy Sutton is the Founder and Director of Medical Biology Interactive (MBI), an organisation dedicated to bringing cutting edge neuroscience and biomedical science to diverse audiences across the world.
This Talk May Cause Side Effects Helen Pilcher, Author and Science Communicator

Most people have heard of the placebo effect, but did you know that it has an evil twin? This is a force that conjures side effects, symptoms and ill health. It can be spread by social media and explains how curses can kill. In this talk, neuroscientist Dr Helen Pilcher explores the dark side of the placebo effect and explains what we can do to protect ourselves from it.
About Dr Helen Pilcher
Dr Helen Pilcher is a tea-drinking, biscuit-nibbling science and comedy writer. Her books include Bring Back the King: the Science of De-extinction and Life Changing: How Humans are Altering Life on Earth and This Book May Cause Side Effects.
Serial Killers: Why the Fascination? Ross Bartels, Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, University of Lincoln

Although rare and morbid, people are fascinated with serial killers! But why is this? In this talk, Ross will discuss his research examining people’s interest in serial murderers and the psychological characteristics associated with this dark interest.
About Dr Ross Bartels
Ross is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Lincoln. His research examines the fantasies and beliefs underlying offending, as well as people’s attitudes towards those who’ve offended. He also likes to read minds on the side for fun.
Music, Identity and Relationships Catherine Loveday, Professor of Neuropsychology, University of Westminster

In this talk, Catherine will explain why music is such a powerful cue for our personal memories, and will then discuss how this can play an important role in supporting our sense of identity and attachment to others.
About Professor Catherine Loveday
Catherine Loveday is a Professor of Neuropsychology at the University of Westminster. Her research focusses on how memories are formed, accessed and lost. She is author of “The Secret World of the Brain” and appears regularly on Radio 4’s All In The Mind.