WIL Talk #108 Gina Rippon, Chair of Cognitive NeuroImaging, ASTON Brain Centre, Aston Brain Centre

Are you curious about the truth or myth in the differences between male and female brains? We had the opportunity to speak with Professor Gina Rippon Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Neuroimaging at the Aston Brain Centre, Aston University. She is the past President of the British Association of Cognitive Neuroscience, and her research involves state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques to investigate developmental disorders such as autism especially regarding unrecognized females on the autistic spectrum. Her research also involves the use of neuroscience techniques to explore social processes, particularly those associated with sex/gender issues. She is a passionate supporter of initiatives to address the underrepresentation of women in all spheres of influence, especially science, and advocates an understanding of ‘the neuroscience of belonging’ as a framework to address the gender gaps. She is the author of “ Gender and Our Brain”.

During our conversation, we discuss the myths associated with brain differences or the lack of them and how 18th-century beliefs have continued to the present day with little progress in shifting the thinking around our brains. It was positioned for men to be seen as superior and women inferior. We still see in today’s world that most CEOs are men and that fewer women are representatives in positions of power. She clarifies that there is overlap in research data to point to the minimal differences in male and female brains but our environment plays a significant role in how our brains are developed. Whether that be starting as young as a newborn baby and how we condition the baby to engage with society. She cautions us to pay attention to our definitions and language as we speak about even things like the gender pay gap which are sex gaps. How boys are taught to be brave, and girls are taught to be perfect, these beliefs carry forward into how our lives are shaped and even in more progressive countries where there is still a little impact in more women working in the sciences, mathematics, technology, etc.

And finally, the elephant in the room is around AI, and how that will impact our society going forward. Without having more women and diversity engaging in the setup, design, input, and sharing of their personal experiences – we are in for a bigger challenge that will set us back even further. Let us know your thoughts on this conversation.

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