Science is for everyone!

Pint of Science is a global initiative that gives scientists and the public the opportunity to come together over beer and science. Come listen to Scientists present their research at local bars, admission is free and discussion is encouraged. BCBL partners with several local pubs in Donostia. I was scheduled to give a talk on accent processing at the 2020 edition. Unfortunately, our 2020 edition was canceled due to the pandemic and a condensed online edition was created for 2021. Pint of Science returned in May of 2022!

check out my talk, ‘Beer or Bear? Processing Foreign Accents’, abstract below:

In today’s globalized society, we are constantly communicating with people who are not speaking their first language. How do we communicate so effectively with people who are not native speakers of our language? Does accent affect our perception of the person talking? And can our expectations about a speaker even influence our perception? This talk will explore how accent affects our ability to communicate, as well as how we process information heard in foreign-accented speech. Inform yourself about how you understand and are understood in a multi-lingual world.

Brain Awareness Week is another global initiative to foster public enthusiasm for brain science. In Donostia, a special focus is placed on sparking the interest of young learners in neuroscience. Brain Awareness Week Donostia, or Semana del Cerebro, is a collaboration between local elementary schools, the local science museum, and the BCBL. Once a year we create a program of fun, informative activities about the function, structure, and cognitive processes of the brain. Have a look at last spring’s program (in Spanish) here!

As a foreigner myself in Spain, I am in a unique position to understand some of the difficulties immigrants face when trying to integrate into a new country. La red de Acogida works with refugees, immigrants, and other in-need and at-risk persons in Donostia. My work with them consists of helping immigrants transition into life in the Basque Country. Find out how you can help here. SOS Racismo is another group dedicated to fighting racism and creating opportunities for immigrants. We regularly prepare and distribute dinners to anyone who lines up for a warm meal. Check out their incredible work and how to get involved!

Popcorn and Neuroscience is a new initiative that a few of us at BCBL have formed in order to generate public interest in neuroscience-related topics and provide the opportunity for an exchange of ideas between the public and researchers. We are holding screenings and debunking science myths in Spanish, Basque and English once a month! Stay tuned for updates.