Watch the recording of this event

This event took place on Wednesday 16 March 2022.

We are proud to present the Inaugural Professorial Lecture of Professor Stephen Hall.

The human brain generates enough electricity to power a small lightbulb and is more powerful than a supercomputer. How exactly does it work? And what are those electrical impulses doing? Understanding the mysteries of this complex organ could unlock the answers to improving treatments for disorders such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s and epilepsy.

Professor of Human Neuroimaging, Stephen Hall, takes a closer look inside the brain using advanced imaging techniques to understand how its electrical rhythms control cognition and behaviour. He shares how he draws from his pharmacology background when applying knowledge of how and why neural mechanisms can go wrong to inform potential treatments, as well as offering insight into how his extensive translational research has helped to join the important pieces of the neural jigsaw.

Since joining Plymouth, he has focused on creating the region’s most advanced multi-modal human neuroscience facility in the form of the Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC). Built in collaboration with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and DDRC Healthcare, Stephen directs the centre that houses seven cutting-edge human research laboratories led by top experts that will rapidly improve health and wellbeing in the region and beyond. 

You are welcome to join us for University of Plymouth's Inaugural Professorial Lecture series, which provide a milestone event in a professorial career. Through these we can promote and celebrate the academic reputation and achievements within their research.

MPsych Clinical Psychology - image courtesy of Getty Images

Research in the School of Psychology

Plymouth is a centre of excellence in psychological research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework assessment, 100% of our research environment and research impact was rated as either world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*), along with 73% of our research outputs (publications). Within Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, the proportion of our research impact rated as 4* or 3* was equal to or higher than institutions such as Nottingham, Aberdeen, Bath, UCL, Cambridge, and York. Overall, we were ranked above Durham and Bath on 4* and 3* research, and were the top rated department in a modern university.
We have a thriving PhD community, with around 80 doctoral students, as well as purpose-built research facilities.
Learn more about the research in the School of Psychology

Brain Research & Imaging Centre

The Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC), the most advanced multi-modal brain imaging facility in the South West, will provide the sea-change to enhance the quality of our research in human neuroscience .
With seven cutting-edge human research laboratories, BRIC will include an MRI suite with the most advanced 3-Tesla scanner in the region. It will critically advance our enquiry toward the most advanced brain research, improved radiological diagnostics and better patient care.
BRIC building development, December 2020

Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research

From basic research discovering the causes of disease, through to evaluating novel ways of delivering care to the most vulnerable people in society, our thriving community conducts adventurous world-leading research

Transformation in life course, ageing, methodologies, eHealth, technology and interventions in health, social care, lifestyle and wellbeing.

Find out more about Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research

People walking and talking in a modern setting.

Public Research Programme

The year-long programme of public events showcases our research across a spectrum of topics. It presents the Inaugural Professorial Lecture series which celebrates the achievements of our academics who have been awarded their professorship; providing a platform for which they can share insights into their esteemed research.
All are welcome to join us as our academics open the door to the intriguing world of research, inviting you to learn more about the fascinating work taking place across the University.
Roland Levinsky Building at night