Gina Rippon, an international researcher in the field of cognitive neuroscience based at Aston Brain Centre at Aston University, will be speaking at the Wells Festival of Literature on Wednesday October 23.

In her new book The Gendered Brain she quotes a wide range of research about the origin of the conviction that the "female brain" is different and inferior, and why this misconception persists in the 21st century and how the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience can, and should, dispel such fallacies for ever.

It is a highly accessible book. She offers thought-provoking perspectives on the debates about sex, gender and the brain and, in doing so, she debunks a whole host of sexist stereotypes and behaviours.

Are boys and girls treated differently from birth and even conception?

Are we manipulated and influenced by outside forces, in gender particularly?

And why do gender gaps still exist in science and technology?

Rachel Cooke wrote in The Guardian: "A neuroscientist's brilliant debunking of the notion of a 'female brain' could do more for gender equality than any number of feminist manifestos."    

Lodestone Property were drawn to sponsoring this talk because the company was set up by two women, Cathy Morris-Adams and her partner Sue Macey.

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They have had great success in a world often dominated by men at the management level. Cathy is particularly drawn to this subject as she has a degree in physics and was one of just 10 women in a year of about 100 students.

She worked at Hinkley Point as a physicist for two years where there were thousands of people on site.

She was one of only four female engineers - the few remaining women on site were in the typing pool or canteen.

Tickets are available online via the red button below, from the Box Office in person at Cedars House or via 01749 834483.