Quinn Memorial Lecture | The Quinn Memorial Endowment

On May 13, 2025, the Department of Psychology is thrilled to host Dr. Anna C. Nobre, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Center for Neurocognition and Behavior, Wu Tsai Institute at Yale University.

TITLE

Focusing attention on sensory x memory contents to guide behavior

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ABSTRACT

The ability to anticipate, select, prioritize, and prepare the relevant contents is fundamental to flexible, proactive, and adaptive cognition. Traditionally, these attention functions have been investigated in relation to extracting relevant contents from the incoming sensory stream. Much more recently, the ability to focus attention on contents of internal, memory representations was recognized and garnered experimental interest. Research on “internal attention” reveals fascinating ways in which neural systems and mechanisms differ from “external attention”. We are now ready for the next steps. During natural behavior in extended and dynamic contexts the focus of attention shifts seamlessly between sensory and memory contents. In my talk, I will highlight some unique properties of internal attention and share our early attempts to understand how attention brokers between external and internal contents to ground adaptive cognition.

ABOUT

Dr. Anna C. Nobre is a cognitive neuroscientist interested in the organizing principles of the brain systems that support adaptive human cognition and behavior. Her research group is notably well known for their innovative and multi-methodological studies of “attention” – on how the brain proactively and dynamically focuses on relevant information in memory and in the external environment to optimize perception, choice, action, and learning.

EVENT DETAILS

May 13, 2025
Registration: 4:30 — 5:00 pm (if attending in-person)
Lecture and Q&A: 5:00 – 6:30 pm PST
Reception: 6:30 – 7:30 pm PST

There will be light appetizers and a cash bar at the reception.

Location (if attending in-person)
Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre
Lecture: Jack Poole Hall (2nd Floor) | Reception: Wong-Trainor Welcome Centre (1st Floor)
6163 University Boulevard | Vancouver BC
Map, parking, and accessibility information

ABOUT

The annual Quinn Memorial Lecture brings together the UBC Psychology community and friends for an evening of dialogue and a chance to learn first-hand about some of the most innovative psychology research from renowned experts. The lecture is made possible by a generous gift to our department from prominent alumnus, Dr. Michael J. Quinn (1927-2004). Learn more.

ACCESSIBILITY

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact the Psychology communications team at: comm.web[at]psych.ubc.ca

We acknowledge that UBC’s Vancouver Point Grey campus is situated on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam).