The Emergence of Consciousness in the Newborn Brain

Schedule

Fri May 29 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Wolfson College, University of Cambridge | Cambridge, EN

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Discover how sleep and social interaction shape a newborn’s brain and lay the foundations of human consciousness.
About this Event

Overview

From the moment they are born, babies begin an extraordinary journey — learning to sleep, feed, connect with others and make sense of the world around them. But how does this early experience shape the brain and the beginnings of consciousness?
This talk explores the powerful role of everyday experiences in helping build the brain’s networks and supporting a baby’s ability to regulate itself and engage with others, outlining how early relationships and biological rhythms work together to lay the foundations of the human mind.


Speaker

is a Consultant Neonatologist and Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge, Honorary Professor of Neurophotonics at University College London, and Senior Member at Robinson College. He has a broad range of interests in neonatal neuroscience from cerebrovascular physiology to sleep, consciousness and cognition in the developing brain.
Topun is the lead for neonatal neurocritical care in Cambridge, providing brain-orientated care for preterm and sick newborn infants. He is also a visiting fellow at Nanyang Technology University in Singapore, where he is collaborating on studies investigating mother-infant neural synchrony and early infant development.


Details

The event is open to all and is free to attend - please book your place.


Access

This event will take place in the Lee Hall which has step-free access and an accessible toilet.


Contact

If you have any questions, please contact our events team - [email protected]


Wolfson Science Society

The Science Society is a welcoming, supportive and open community of scientists and science enthusiasts. Through their events, they aim to bring people together across disciplines, listen to amazing speakers, make connections, spark discussions, and have some fun.

Please sign up to their mailing list to keep up to date with their upcoming events.

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Where is it happening?

Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, Barton Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

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