Sluckin lectures

The Sluckin Lecture is an annual event at the University of Leicester to commemorate Professor Wladyslaw Sluckin (1919–1985), one of the original members of the University of Leicester’s Department of Psychology and Head of Department from 1973 until his retirement in 1984. He was Editor of the British Journal of Psychology from 1967 to 1973. He had a lasting influence on generations of students and colleagues and remains an inspiration to the School of Psychology and to British psychology in general.

The first Sluckin Lecture was delivered in 1991 by Professor Patrick Bateson, FRS, of King’s College, Cambridge.

2023 - Professor Sarah Beck, University of Birmingham

Thursday 4 May, 5.00pm - 6.00pm

Imagination and Innovation

People don’t limit themselves to thinking about what is real. We think about how the world might be different to how it is now. In particular, we speculate about how past events might have turned out differently and we use our imagination to solve problems we encounter. I will discuss experimental studies with young children, who develop from being highly imaginative pretenders to innovative problem solvers. I will also make links to work with non-human animals to explore how different minds use the imagination to understand the world.

The seminar will be held in Lecture Theatre 1, George Davies Centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HA. The event is followed by a drinks reception in the George Davies Centre Reception Atrium.

Booking is required via Eventbrite.

Previous lectures