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An inspirational visit from Professor Sophie Scott C.B.E. on International Women’s Day

We were delighted to welcome Professor Sophie Scott C.B.E, of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, to TGS to mark International Women’s Day.  She has an interest in the neural basis of vocal communication - how our brains process the information in speech and voices, and how our brains control the production of our voice.  

All students were able to engage with Professor Scott in a variety of different ways including a working lunch, a whole school online live broadcast plus in person forums. 

 

During the live broadcast students posed some fascinating questions which opened up much wider discussions.  Questions included:  

  • Explain a little about your career path, did you always love Science? (Scarlett Year 13) 

  •  Why does laughter interest you so much? (Bohni Year 10) 

  •  How do you analyse laughter? And what makes you laugh? (Avani Year 7) 

  •  Have you had any specific hurdles to overcome as a woman in your field? (Gracie Year 10) 

  •  Which female would you say has made the biggest contribution to Science? (Amy Year 7) 

  •  Why do you think laugher is so important? (Ashley Year 12) 

Professor Scott intrigued, challenged and inspired students by sharing many examples of the work she has undertaken with university undergraduates and PHD students.  Laughter and the importance of laughter for connections, friendships, wellbeing and love was a theme that recurred throughout the day. 

Our sincere thanks to Professor Scott for sharing her time, academic expertise and inspirations with students. 

It was fascinating to hear a talk on a subject that is so unique and interesting. I really enjoyed Professor Sophie Scott’s presentation and the way that she spoke and engaged with the audience, and this has definitely sparked an interest in the topic for me. She was an incredible speaker and her discussion of the challenges that she has faced in the workplace as a woman was inspiring. 

Alice, Year 12 

Thank you it was so lovely to go to the talk and see such an inspirational woman! Please say a huge thank you to her for coming in! As someone who wants to study Neuroscience, I found it was very encouraging to hear and it left me feeling even more excited to go and study. 

 

ORLA, YEAR 13, ON THE WORKING LUNCH 

 

Professor Scott’s talks and workshops had students hooked and we cannot thank her enough for the way that she shared her expertise with such passion, clarity, and fun!  She has opened the door to a world of post school pathways that students may not have previously considered. Thank you. Our thanks too to Mrs Thompson, Head of History and Leader of Student Voice and Diversity at TGS, who approached Professor Scott to come and be interviewed by a selection of students to mark International Women’s Day.  Our students are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated teachers who seek to extend the learning of students.

Mrs Blackstone Director of Development and Alumni Relations 

You can read more about Professor Scott's work and research here

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