Abstract

Join Professor Adele Diamond for a discussion about cutting edge executive function research. Organised jointly by the Psychology, Education and Learning Studies (PELS) research group and the Play Education Development and Learning (PEDAL) research centre, this event is aimed at researchers (post-graduate students and beyond) at the University of Cambridge.

Invited Early Career Researchers will each present a short summary of their executive function (EF) interventions and their research. Afterwards, Prof Diamond will discuss what she sees as the future of this field and share her advice on elements that make successful interventions. EF research occurs in multiple departments around the University; this event is designed for us to learn more about that research and build stronger networks.

About Professor Adele Diamond

Adele Diamond is the Canada Research Chair Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. She is a member of the Royal Society of Canada and was recently recognized as one the 15 most influential neuroscientists alive today.

Prof. Diamond is at the forefront of research on ‘executive functions’ and on the brain’s prefrontal cortex on which they depend. Executive functions include ‘thinking outside the box’ (cognitive flexibility), mentally relating ideas and facts (working memory), and giving considered responses rather than impulsive ones, resisting temptations and staying focused (inhibitory control, including selective attention).

She has made discoveries that have improved treatment for two different medical disorders and discoveries that have impacted education, improving the lives of millions of children. Her work has shown that executive functions can be improved even in the very young.