The Proust Phenomenon

Since Marcel Proust first wrote about his childhood memories flooding back after dipping a madeleine in his tea, scientists have attempted to understand the ‘Proust Phenomenon’ – memories involuntarily triggered by sensory stimuli. You can be part of a sensory experiment led by psychologist Jonathan Silas, who will test your ability to recognise smells and generate autobiographical memories. Writer Lisa Appignanesi, psychologist Leigh Gibson, philosopher Barry C. Smith (University of London), and psycholinguist Asifa Majid will be in discussion.

This event is organised by AHRC Science in Culture Research Network: The Memory Network and is taking place as part of the Cheltenham Festival.

More information is available here.