On Friday, 6th June 2025, Cardiff Sixth Form College had the honour of hosting Dr Guy Sutton – Director of Medical Biology Interactive and Honorary Consultant Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham Medical School – who delivered an insightful and thought-provoking ‘Brain Day’ presentation on neuroscience to AS Psychology students.
Two of our students, Isabelle and Braden, reflect on the experience:
As an aspiring law student, I was particularly intrigued by the intersection of neuroscience and the legal system. Dr Sutton explored how evolving knowledge of the brain is impacting legal judgments, introducing two fascinating court cases. One involved David Garabedian, a lawn care worker convicted of murder, whose defence cited neurological impairment due to chemical exposure. Despite this, he was sentenced to first-degree murder – though Dr Sutton noted that with today’s understanding, he might instead be charged with manslaughter. Another case concerned “Michael”, whose predatory behaviour was linked to a tumour in his orbitofrontal cortex. His behaviour normalised after surgical removal, only to return with tumour recurrence. These examples raised critical questions about biological responsibility and the evolving role of neuroscience within the criminal justice system.
From a medical viewpoint, I was captivated by the remarkable advancements in brain research. Organoids – miniaturised, simplified brain-like structures grown from stem cells – are now developing astonishing features like rudimentary eyes. This breakthrough may revolutionise treatment for neurodegenerative conditions and brain injuries. However, it also poses ethical dilemmas concerning the potential for consciousness. Equally provocative was the discussion on digital afterlife technologies that use AI to preserve voices and personalities posthumously, blurring the lines between memory, identity, and artificial life.
Dr Sutton’s chronological storytelling deepened our appreciation of the brain’s intricacy and its profound impact across disciplines. An insightful day for all involved!
Isabelle and Braden (Year 12 Psychology students)
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