Ad Aertsen - Paradigm Shifts in Neurosciences

FRIAS Lunch Lecture from 28 April 2016 with Prof. Dr. Ad Aertsen from the University of Freiburg

The occurrence of a paradigm shift in a scientific area, in the Kuhnian sense, presupposes the existence of a paradigm and an associated “normal science” program. In the neurosciences, neither of these is anywhere in sight. Hence, serious paradigm shifts in the neurosciences are not to be expected anytime soon.

Having said that, it may be nevertheless worthwile to inspect some examples of shifts of emphasis in neuroscience research in recent decades. For instance, to look at the role of new experimental methodologies in such shifts, to study the effect of researchers with a different scientific background entering the field, or to see the impact of funding-driven shiftsof emphasis towards translational research. In my presentation, I will present and discuss  examples of each of these.

More information on the FRIAS Lunch Lectures 2015/16: https://www.frias.uni-freiburg.de/de/mediathek/lunch-lectures/videomitschnitte-der-lunch-lectures