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To engage its home communities in the broad world of scientific research and inform the public of its own groundbreaking initiatives, the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences (CEN) at the ɫ��ɫ���� will launch a new series of upcoming Science Cafés, held at local venues this summer, to engage curious minds and promote scientific literacy.

The Science Cafés will enable ɫ��ɫ���� researchers and faculty to present a diverse array of topics geared toward non-scientists, and they will feature brief presentations while allowing the bulk of time for conversation and robust Q&A.

Michael Burman, Ph.D., professor of psychology at ɫ��ɫ����, said the cafés will allow CEN to increase awareness of its mission to foster public awareness of the important work that ɫ��ɫ���� scientists are engaging in, from neuroscience, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development to marine biology, environmental monitoring, human behavior, and more. 

“Science is sometimes complicated, and we want to make it available to people of all backgrounds,” said Burman, a CEN researcher and director of the University’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “At ɫ��ɫ����, we’re committed to educating the public on the wonders of science and to translating complex research into knowledge that improves people’s lives. These events give us the opportunity to do just that, in a format that’s welcoming, accessible, and engaging.”

Events will alternate between Portland and Biddeford, allowing all members of the University’s audiences to participate. 

The first café of the new series will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Novel in Portland. 

There, Julie Longua Peterson, Ph.D., a ɫ��ɫ���� professor of psychology, will present “The Hidden Psychology of Connection: Understanding the Invisible Forces that Guide How We Give, Receive, and Avoid Intimacy in Relationships.”

The second Science Café event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. at Elements in Biddeford, during which Will Kochtitzky, Ph.D., and Jennifer Brousseau, Ph.D., both assistant professors in the School of Marine and Environmental Programs, will present “Storms, Sea Level Rise, and the Future of Maine’s Beaches,” focusing their work to study the impact of climate change on Maine’s coast.

“We’re excited to welcome the public to join us for these events,” Burman remarked. “Whether you’re deeply curious about science or simply interested in learning more about ɫ��ɫ����’s cutting-edge research, these gatherings are a chance to connect, learn, and ask questions in a relaxed, informal setting.

“I think they’re going to be a lot of fun,” he added.

Those interested in attending Science Café events are encouraged to visit the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences website for details on future Science Cafés and other CEN events.