Professor Colin Blakemore joins the Institute of Philosophy

Distinguished neuroscientist appointed as Director of the Institute’s Centre for the Study of the Senses
The Institute of Philosophy, a member institute of the University of London’s School of Advanced Study, is delighted to welcome Professor Colin Blakemore as Director of the Institute’s Centre for the Study of the Senses.

Professor Blakemore, a renowned vision scientist, is one of Britain’s leading scientists, who speaks and advises on a number of public issues, including chairing the Royal Society’s recent Brain Waves project, reviewing the policy implications of developments in neuroscience, including a report on Neuroscience and the Law.

Colin Blakemore is a Fellow of the Royal Society, and was a previous head of the Medical Research Council. He has been a Reith Lecturer and given the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. He has been honoured by many countries, including India and China, and has ten honorary degrees.

Colin‘s research on the neuronal plasticity of the brain has wide implications for learning and memory. He has shown how the visual cortex adapts shortly after birth, helping the brain to match itself to the sensory environment, and this process of reorganisation helps to explain how some parts of the brain can take over the function of others after damage. Professor Blakemore will direct the work of the Centre for the Study of the Senses, which pioneers collaborative sensory research between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists, looking at the way our senses cooperate to create perceptions of the world around us.

Colin Blakemore commented: “For many years I have thought that philosophy has much to contribute to the exploding field of neuroscience – and vice versa. I am very excited about the challenge of facilitating new interactions and collaborations across the traditional boundaries between the humanities and neuroscience.”

Professor Barry Smith, Director of the Institute of Philosophy, said: “We are delighted to have Colin Blakemore joining us. He will play a vital role in leading a new generation of philosophically-minded neuroscientists and scientifically-minded philosophers. ”