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[EU Talks] Neuroscientist, Leor Zmigrod: The Ideological Brain

When
12/03/2026
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

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EU TALKS

The Ideological Brain:
How beliefs shape the way we think

LEOR ZMIGROD
Prizewinning scientist, political neuroscience

2pm Thurs 12 March I EU staff only

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE BECOME RADICALISED?

In today’s atomised and polarised world, we need to zoom into the processes happening inside each of us. Why do some people become radicalised? And who is most susceptible to ideological thinking? Can we unchain our minds from toxic dogmas? Dr Leor Zmigrod is a pioneer in the field of ‘political neuroscience’, and drawing on her groundbreaking research she uncovers the hidden mechanisms driving our beliefs and behaviours.

Political beliefs and ideologies are not just transient thoughts in our minds, divorced from our bodies, but deeply connected to the biology of our brain, able to even change our neural architecture. Regardless of your political stance, Zmigrod will challenge you to reassess your convictions – and what they are doing to your brain. Find out about rigid thinking in ourselves and others, and how to recognise our ability to resist irrational rules and authority.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr Leor Zmigrod is an award-winning scientist and author, political psychologist and neuroscientist investigating why some brains are susceptible to extreme ideologies and how minds can break free from rigid dogmas. The Ideological Brain is her first book. Her research has also been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, TIME, New Scientist, Financial Times, The Times, amongst other international outlets. She was listed on Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Science & Healthcare category, and has received numerous awards in science. Her research explores the psychology of ideological extremism using methods from experimental psychology, cognitive science, political science, and neuroscience. In particular, she investigates the cognitive, emotional, and neurobiological characteristics that might act as vulnerability factors for radicalization and ideological behaviour.

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