International conference combines disciplines of creativity research

Creative processes and their mechanisms in our nervous system are the focus of the conference ‘Bridging Fields in Creativity Research’. The interdisciplinary conference will take place from 11 to 13 September 2024 in the historic Old District Court in Oppenheim. The organisers from the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) and the Research Centre for Translational Neuroscience (FTN) at the Mainz University Medical Centre are bringing together leading scientists from various disciplines.

A lot of research is being done into human creativity – for example, which areas of the brain are involved or how much heredity is behind it. What is largely unknown, however, are the processes that take place in the brain during a ‘flash of inspiration’ and how creative thoughts are interconnected and networked. Scientists from FIAS and Mainz University Medical Centre want to explore this new field of research over the next few years. The first step will be a conference at which international researchers from the fields of psychology, neuroscience and computer science will pool their knowledge on creativity.

Lectures by renowned experts such as memory researcher Daniel Schacter (Harvard University) will shed light on the neuronal connections of creativity. The aim is to gain an in-depth understanding of the neuronal basis of creative thinking – and its far-reaching significance for brain research and artificial neuronal networks. For example, psychologist Roger Beaty from Pennsylvania State University will explain why some people are more creative than others. He uses behavioural experiments and creativity tests to investigate how the brain links ideas together. Anna Abraham, a psychologist at the University of Georgia, sheds light on the limits of artificial intelligence in imitating human creativity. She researches brain regions, diseases and development. In her book ‘The Creative Brain: Myths and Truths’, she uncovered widespread misconceptions about creativity.

Computer scientist Claire Stevenson from the University of Amsterdam compares how humans and artificial intelligence manage creative tasks. She sheds light on the differences and potential of both systems.

Theoretical neuroscientist Jaan Aru began his career at FIAS and now researches the neural basis of creativity at the University of Tartu in Estonia: How does the brain control creative processes? His new book deals with topics such as creative thinking, mindfulness and the impact of digital technologies on child development.

Bridging the various disciplines of creativity research is the starting point for future research into the neuronal circuits for creative thinking at FIAS and Mainz University. ‘We want to understand the processes of creativity,’ says co-initiator Bastian Eppler from FIAS, describing the research objective for the coming years. ‘Creativity is fundamental to our individual identity and has a major influence on our societies in order to overcome upcoming challenges.’

The theme of the conference appeals to a broader public, as creativity is a universal and fascinating phenomenon that influences our daily lives.

Media and journalists are cordially invited to attend the conference. We are happy to arrange interviews with the speakers. The conference language is English.

Organising committee: Prof. Dr. Matthias Kaschube (FIAS/Goethe University), Prof. Dr. Simon Rumpel (FTN/University Medical Center Mainz), Dr. Jens-Bastian Eppler (FIAS/Goethe University), Dr. Johannes Seiler (FTN/Mainz), Jonas Elpelt (FIAS/Goethe University), Thomas Lai (FTN/Mainz)

Partners and sponsors: DFG (German Research Foundation), SPP 2041 – Computational Connectomics, Research Centre Translational Neurosciences & University Medicine of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS), Rhine-Main Universities (RMU) Networking Initiative.

The FIAS (Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies) is an interdisciplinary research centre in Frankfurt am Main. Here, internationally recognised scientists develop theories on complex scientific topics of the future in the fields of theoretical natural sciences, computer sciences and AI systems as well as life sciences and neurosciences. They research the complex self-organising systems of nature across disciplinary boundaries with the help of mathematical algorithms and simulations. FIAS is a non-profit foundation under civil law. Current information at https://fias.institute/

The University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is the only super-maximum care medical facility in Rhineland-Palatinate and an internationally recognised scientific location. It comprises more than 60 clinics, institutes and departments that work together on an interdisciplinary basis and provide inpatient and outpatient care for around 340,000 people every year. Highly specialised patient care, research and teaching form an inseparable unit at the Mainz University Medical Centre. More than 3,600 students of medicine and dentistry and around 630 specialists in a wide range of healthcare, commercial and technical professions are trained here. With around 8,700 employees, Mainz University Medical Centre is also one of the largest employers in the region and an important driver of growth and innovation. Further information on the Internet at www.unimedizin-mainz.de.

The text was translated with the support of DeepL Translator, a translation with artificial intelligence

Herausgeber: Prof. Dr. Eckhard Elsen, Direktor des FIAS, Redaktion: Dr. Anja Störiko, Pressereferentin, Büro 1|202, Ruth-Moufang-Straße 1, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Telefon: +49 (0)69 798 47507 oder +49 6192 23605, stoeriko@fias.uni-frankfurt.de

More Information:

FIAS Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Conference: Bridging Fields in Creativity Research https://fias.institute/de/veranstaltungen/konferenzen/2024/creativity-conference