21st Century Brain

Internationally acclaimed, bestselling neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow harnesses cutting-edge science to show how we can lean into human strengths to flourish in the face of future global challenges.'A vital book for understanding how our brains can adapt and thrive in an age of innovation.' - Joseph Jebelli, author of The Brain at RestHow do we nurture our own and our children's brains so we have the resilience to thrive during the coming wave of technological, and societal change? How do we keep up in the face of AI?Neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow takes readers on an empowering journey through the fascinating landscape of the latest neuroscience research and deep into their own intelligence. It is human skills — curiosity, compassion, communication, courage and creativity — that will provide the answer to the challenges ahead. We should lean into our collaborative skills, our ability to intuit and to think long-term, to adapt and to focus. Dr Critchlow explores how we build collective wisdom, and how we best fuel our brains.In a book filled with stories of pioneering research and case studies, and with advice and brain exercises, she shows us how to navigate the coming decades with informed confidence.

Hannah Critchlow, PhD, HonsDSc is an internationally acclaimed neuroscientist, broadcaster, author and Fellow at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge. She has appeared on the BBC, Australian ABC and Korean TV and radio and gives regular talks to diverse audiences across the world. Her expertise lies in consciousness, learning and memory, decision-making, intelligence, collaboration between minds and our relationship with AI. In 2019 she was named by Nature as a ‘Rising Star in Life Sciences’ and was recognised as a ‘Top 100 UK scientist’ by the UK Science Council. Her book Consciousness: A Ladybird Expert Guide, was published with Penguin in 2018. The Science of Fate, published by Hodder & Stoughton in May 2019, made The Sunday Times Bestseller list. Hannah’s latest book, Joined-up Thinking, was published in English and Mandarin in 2022 to critical acclaim and she has spoken globally to international policy officials on its findings. She has two doctorates: her research PhD investigating synaptic plasticity from Cambridge University, completed in 2007, and an Honorary Doctorate from Brunel University received in 2022 for her global contribution to neuroscience and communication.