'We think conditions like depression are located in the brain, but maybe we're looking in the wrong place.' Clinical neuroscientist Laura Steenbergen studies how microbiota-gut-brain interactions affect cognition and well-being.
Unfortunately we have to cancel the livestream today, due to logistical problems related to corona. There are still some tickets available to attend the lecture in De Blauwe Zaal, Auditorium. You can order a ticket via the black order button on this page. The lecture will be recorded however, and you can watch it in the 'on demand' section on this website from next week onwards. There will be no online SG&USE registration.
Mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, are placing a heavy and continuously growing burden on public health and are calling for a resolution. Such a resolution is commonly sought in our brain. But animal and human studies support the idea that bacteria in our gut (i.e., the gut microbiota) are crucial in supporting optimal brain functioning; the bidirectional microbiota-gut-brain axis provides a paradigm shift with the potential for promoting mental health. Indeed, the bacteria in our gut have been suggested as a key factor in one’s response to stress and emotions, which shapes vulnerability to emotional disorders such as depression. Crucial is the nervus vagus (tenth cranial nerve), which runs through the entire human body and is connected to all organs. In fact, the vagus nerve is the only direct physical connection between our intestines, which hold a nervous system of their own, and our brain. Those ‘gut feelings’ we sometimes get and those butterflies in our stomach? They’re real, and they shape our feelings, thoughts, and behavior in more ways than you probably think!
Dr. Laura Steenbergen is an Assistant Professor at the Clinical Psychology Unit of the Leiden University, and board member of the Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition. With "Mind the Microbes", her research project aimed at understanding the human microbiota-gut-brain axis, Steenbergen hopes to contribute to the prevention of mental illness, and thus to increasing people’s mental health. For her work thus far, she was awarded the Young Scientist Award (2018) by the European Society for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience.
Please note: Contrary to what was previously announced, there will be no livestream today due to logistical problems related to corona. You can book a ticket if you want to attend this program on campus. The lecture will be recorded and can be watched in the 'on demand' section on this website from next week onwards. There will be no online SG&USE registration.
On campus: ticket reservation recommended
This program will take place on campus. Making a reservation via the website (black "order" button) is therefore recommended if you want to attend this program on campus.
SG&USE registration
Please register your participation upon arrival when attending the program on campus. You can register by scanning your student card before the start of the program at the venue. There will be no online SG&USE registration for this lecture.
More information about SG&USE can be found here.