The man that the number 150 is named after is giving a lecture at Aarhus University – the first of a number of leading forces in research into the interaction between people. The Interacting Minds Centre is hosting the lectures, which are relevant for a number of scientific disciplines.

2013.02.18 | Helge Hollesen

Date	Fri 22 Feb
Time	14:00 — 16:00
Location	Aarhus University, Ndr. Ringgade, building 1441-112

Mention the word ‘Dunbar’ to an evolutionary psychologist or neuro-researcher, and the number 150 will immediately come to mind, as well as the man the number is named after.

His name is Robin Dunbar, and he is Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Oxford. On 22 February, he is attending Aarhus University to give a lecture on the social brain and why it is social.

“When Robin Dunbar is associated with the number 150, it’s because he’s shown – in a considerable number of ways – that people are designed to function in groups of that size. Humans have an amazingly large brain, which makes it possible for us to form networks and take part in social groups. We’re extremely social beings, but our brains also place a large number of limitations on the way in which we’re social,” explains Associate Professor Michael Bang Petersen, Department of Political Science and Government, who is affiliated with the Interacting Minds Centre (IMC).

He is responsible for planning the ‘Coordination’ series of lectures, in which Robin Dunbar kicks off by addressing the question ‘What is so Social about the Social Brain?’.

Research into a number of cross fields

Robin Dunbar carries out research into social evolution in a correlation between ecology, behaviour, cognition and neurobiology. He is the first of six prominent researchers who will be visiting IMC to talk about their research into the cross field between several different scientific disciplines – ranging from economics and biology to psychology and politology.

The interdisciplinary research carried out at IMC is just as far-reaching, and researchers from all of Aarhus University’s main academic areas take part in experimental studies to provide more knowledge about the interaction between human cognition, communication and choice.

• Read more about IMC

The ‘Coordination’ lecture series focuses on one of the ways humans interact with each other, i.e. how groups, norms and conformity arise.

The theme for next year is ‘Confusion’, and this website will provide updates about lectures on ‘Conflict’ and ‘Cooperation’.

• Read more about upcoming lectures