Neuroscience will be used to explore the relationship between faith and science at this year’s Annual Public Lecture by Heriot-Watt University’s Chaplaincy in Edinburgh.
Dr Sharon Dirckx, an author, international speaker and former brain imaging scientist, will deliver the free lecture, entitled Are Humans Unique?, on Monday 3 February, from 7pm-8.30pm at the James Watt Centre on the University’s Riccarton campus.
Dr Dirckx studied biochemistry before moving into research in the area of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging [FMRI], a type of scanning that enables scientists to look inside the brain – without cutting into it – at its structure and activity, in all kinds of situations.
“I became fascinated with this technique and studied for a PhD at the University of Cambridge, before conducting postdoctoral research into the brain networks involved in human cocaine abuse at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the United States,” Dr Dirckx explained.
She describes her lecture at Heriot-Watt University Chaplaincy as a ‘neuroscientific exploration of mind, soul and consciousness.’
“I’ll consider different philosophical and scientific approaches to the essence of humanity,” she said. “By taking a materialist approach to mind, soul and consciousness, I’ll show that matter is not all you need to explain everything about understanding humans. I’ll also show how clinical neuroscience and theological considerations create a complex picture.”
Each year, the Chaplaincy’s Annual Public Lecture explores the relationship between science and faith through a current issue or scientific development. Are they mutually exclusive, or might they combine to offer deeper insights into the world as we know it?
The Reverend Jane Howitt, Chaplain of Heriot-Watt University, said: “We are delighted that Dr Dirckx is presenting our annual public lecture and look forward to hearing her insights into science and theology.”
Dr Dirckx will also be the guest preacher on Sunday 2 February at Heriot-Watt University’s 58th annual Anniversary Service. This celebrates the University receiving a Royal Charter in 1966 and will take place at 10.30am in Currie Kirk parish church in Currie on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Dr Dirckx’s career includes working for 12 years as a lecturer and tutor at the Oxford Christian Centre for Apologetics (OCCA), a charity that works with local churches to help people respond to difficult questions and objections to Christianity in workplaces, schools, the media and the arts.
Her books include Broken Planet (IVP Books, 2023), which asks why God allows natural disasters and diseases and was longlisted for the International Society for Science and Religion book Prize 2024; Am I just my brain? (The Good Book Company, 2019), which explores human consciousness and identity; and an award-winning book on suffering, entitled Why?: Looking at God, evil and personal suffering (IVP Books, 2013).
The Chaplaincy on Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Campus exists to promote spiritual and social wellbeing. It is open to everyone – both students and staff – from all backgrounds and cultures. People of all faiths and no religious faith are welcome.
The Chaplaincy Annual Public Lecture is one of the main events in the Heriot-Watt University calendar.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served from 1815.
This lecture will be interpreted into British Sign Language (BSL)
To attend this event in person, please register via Eventbrite by Thursday 30 January 2025:
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