Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Modifiability: The Role of Cognitive Intervention in the Shaping of Wo/Man

Jerusalem, March 2013

The Conference  (10-13 March 2013)

Scientific advancements in conceptualization and technology make new tools available for professionals facing medical, psychological, educational, and societal problems of human beings. This conference brings together revolutionary developments in two disciplines: cognitive modifiability and the neurosciences. Neuroscience brings evidence that modifiability is possible, and cognitive modifiability shows how to make it happen. This meeting offers the opportunity for a worldwide gathering of scientists, practitioners, therapists, and educators who come from different professional perspectives, but share common interests to explore and become familiar with the developments in these related fields. The common theme is modifiability. Revolutionary developments in brain sciences support the theory and belief that basic human behaviors and functions can be modified.

The Potential to Respond to Critical Needs

From the perspective of both disciplines, it is now clear that systematic application of dynamic assessment and intervention has the potential to produce change. The science, and the growing awareness it has generated, indicates that the three conventionally accepted resistances to change can be overcome: etiology (the genetic, hereditary, and chromosomal causes of disability), critical periods (indicating that there are developmental deadlines after which change is impossible), and severity of the condition (indicating that extreme conditions cannot be improved).

However, we are at the frontier of this knowledge. There is much to be learned in order to understand the implications of the convergence of cognitive modifiability and the revolution in the brain sciences and bring them into wide acceptance and practice.

Outcomes and Opportunities

The multicultural interaction between lecturers and participants from different fields and professions is going to develop better understanding of the challenges and enrich us with the new available tools. Personal professional experience, research results, theories and practice will be discussed and new techniques will be presented in order to open new horizons for each one of us.

This is a critical period in the development of this dialogue and an opportunity for sharing knowledge and hope. Jerusalem, as a modern centre for technological and academic activity and research also symbolizes the historical core of human faith and soul. Is there a more appropriate place to host such a conference?

Official  website: http://www.brainconvention.org/en/