Statistical physics and brain dynamics: from neurons to networks

Physicists are often accused of believing they can solve any problem in the universe—from galaxies to genetics—if only given a few equations and a blackboard. The brain, however, resists simple explanations. It is a messy, adaptive, noisy, and fascinating complex system made of billions of interacting units, always far from equilibrium. In this talk, I will introduce how concepts familiar to physicists—oscillations, synchronization, noise, criticality, and networks—can shed light on brain activity, from the firing of single neurons to large-scale brain dynamics. At the same time, we will reflect on the risks of tunnel vision: how our methods, metaphors, and biases can both illuminate and distort our understanding. The goal is not to offer “the” solution, but to share why the brain remains one of the most exciting frontiers for physics, full of both promise and humbling challenges.

The speaker of the evening is Daniele Marinazzo, professor Department of Data Analysis of the Faculty of Psychological and Educational Sciences. The lecture is given in English.

Inschrijvingslink: https://forms.gle/6GWU6ehshyfRYNuQ8