Discourse Series | The neuroscience of resilience: building brains to withstand life

This event will feature a lecture from Professor George Bonanno, Professor of Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, with a response from Ian Robertson MRIA, Professor Emeritus and Fellow at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and Founding Director of the Institute of Neuroscience at TCD and of the Global Brain Health Institute.

This Discourse offers insights into the brain’s capacity for adaptation, focusing on the neurological and psychological mechanisms that underpin emotional resilience.

As rates of mental health issues – particularly among young people – continue to rise, understanding how resilience supports recovery from trauma is vital. This discussion brings together neuroscience and psychology to better understand how we can build resilience in ourselves and in society.

About the speakers

Professor George Bonanno is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University's Teachers College and internationally recognized for his pioneering research on human resilience in the face of loss and potential trauma. He is listed among the top one percent most cited scientists in the world, had been honored as fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science AAAS), and received lifetime achievement awards from the Association for Psychological Science (APS), the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA). In addition to the books, The End of Trauma and The Other Side of Sadness, George has published hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific articles. He is also an avid painter (when he has time) and loves music.

Professor Ian Robertson, Member of the Royal Irish Academy (MRIA) since 2004, is Professor Emeritus and Fellow at Trinity College Dublin and T Boone Pickens Distinguished Chair at the University of Texas at Dallas. Ian was Founding Director of the Institute of Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin and of the Global Brain Health Institute. His 600+ scientific papers on the neuropsychology of attention and neuroplasticity have been cited more than 41,000 times. His most recent multiply-translated popular science book is How Confidence Works (Penguin). In 2024 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science and an honorary MD by Trinity College Dublin He is a member of the Academia Europaea.

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Royal Irish Academy Discourse Series

The Royal Irish Academy’s discourses are the oldest and most renowned series of talks in Ireland. The first discourses were presented in 1786. Historically, Academy discourses were the occasion reserved for the most distinguished academics to first reveal and discuss their research in public. Continuing in this tradition, the Discourse Series brings international experts to the Academy to discuss important contemporary issues in front of a live audience. There will be time for questions from the audience.

Past discourses are available to watch back on ria.ie

Please note:

We ask that you arrive to 19 Dawson Street no later than 5:50pm so that we can ensure everyone is seated before the Discourse begins at 6:00 p.m. Late-comers will not be admitted.

Read our Events Code of Conduct and our Data Protection Policies.

Tabhair faoi deara:

Ba cheart go mbainfeá an tAcadamh (19 Sráid Dhásain) amach faoi 5:50pm ar a dhéanaí chun a chinntiú go mbeidh gach éinne socraithe sula gcuirfear tús leis an imeacht ar 6:00pm. Ní ligfear isteach daoine a bheidh déanach.

Léigh ár gCód Iompair maidir le hImeachtaí agus ár Data Protection Policies.

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Riachtanais rochtana

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