Mind Matters: laughter, humour and creativity
The science of laughter
We were thrilled to be joined by Professor Sophie Scott for our second Mind Matters event where she shared her research on the status of laughter as a ‘basic’ expression of emotion, the evolution of laughter and its purpose as a social emotion. She demonstrated how it acts as a way of making and maintaining social bonds, and how nuanced its use can be in adult humans. She also addressed how the brain responds to laughter, and some evidence that laughter is an important method for regulation emotions states in interactions.
Video
Professor Sophie Scott shares her research on the status of laughter as a ‘basic’ expression of emotion, the evolution of laughter and its purpose as a social emotion. She will show how it acts as a way of making and maintaining social bonds, and how nuanced its use can be in adult humans. Additionally, she will also address how the brain responds to laughter, and some evidence that laughter is an important method for regulation emotions states in interactions.
Speaker
Professor Sophie Scott has reached great heights since completing her undergraduate degree and discovering her passion for understanding human behaviour using science. Sophie has since become a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow in Basic Biomedical Science and deputy director of the University College London’s Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, where she received her PhD.
Her initial interest in behavioural psychology and love for laughter and language, following her PhD focused on speech, has led to innovative research on ‘the science of laughter’. Sophie’s work has investigated the neural basis of vocal communication – the processes that occur in our brains when we speak, when someone speaks to us and how our brains control the production of our voice. Her pioneering research into laughter under the scientific scope has explored the socially bonding function of laughter, even in rats!
Sophie is renowned for her work in public engagement through incorporating her research with stand up comedy.
More of Sophie's videos:
Feedback
“Yes, both were excellent speakers and the theme of laughter is very interesting. Thanks!”
“Engaging, related to my discipline, funny!”
“Very amusing and interactive!”
“It was very fun and interactive. I was interested in the biology behind it.”
“Yes, I have enjoyed this event. I would also come again.”