The Neuroscientist Committed to Creating a Brain Healthy World

 

The most important asset in any organisation is…the brains of your people!

We offer insights and information based on decades of research on how the human brain works. Our science-based development, training, and systemic change programs provide all the facts and none of the neuromyths.

Reviews

Author of The Seven Deadly Sins of Psychology and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Cardiff University

"The Connected Species is gripping and humorous, provocative, moving at times, and brimming with personal reflections. Above all, it is an insightful look at the science of being a human among humans on this tiny ball hurtling through the cosmos."

Author of Brainscapes: The Warped, Wondrous Maps Written in Your Brain—And How They Guide You and neuroscientist at Washington University

"In The Connected Species, Dr. Mark Williams interweaves history, psychology, and human health to tell the fascinating story of humankind. With warmth and humor, Williams explains how our species is shaped by a powerful drive to connect and affiliate—a drive that can both foster our greatest accomplishments and feed our worst inclinations."

Author of The Empathetic Brain and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Amsterdam

"In The Connected Species, Mark Williams explores the evolution of our brain in an accessible and very entertaining way, enabling the reader a thorough and comprehensive understanding of who we are today and what we might be tomorrow."

Author of Life Works: Rediscover Yourself and Transform Your Relationships, podcast presenter of Psych for Life and Psychologist

"I couldn't put this book down at my first read and will be re-reading it many times. I highly recommend it as a compelling and riveting read, as well as wise and reassuring guidance for anyone who cares about the future of our species."

CEO and founder of the B Kinder Foundation

"Mark breaks down the complexity of human behaviour, especially the everyday behaviours we take for granted. The impact of this knowledge and insight gives meaning to the term "think before you act" and goes a long way to teaching understanding, empathy and connection for ourselves and everyone around us."

Psychologist and Medal of the Order of Australia recipient

"This book is a must-read for those who wish for a happier and healthier world for our children and grandchildren. Professor Mark Williams provides a clear and understandable picture of how our brain has evolved, and what that means for us, and our descendants. He writes with clarity and good humor, referring to evidence-based research. The Connected Species is an excellent companion to Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century."

Psychologist and author of Making Good Men Great: Surfing the New Wave of Masculinity

"Having just read A Bloody Good rant by Thomas Kennealy, Dr Mark Williams' book The Connected Species resonates emotionally with me in the same vein. It, too, is a bloody good rant, a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the power of human connection and how it shapes our lives. However, it is more than just a rant. It explores the impact of meaningful relationships on our happiness, health, and overall well-being and provides insightful and practical strategies for strengthening our connections with others. So don't miss out on the chance to enrich your life through the power of The Connected Species, and grab a copy today!"

Author of Assessment Tools and Systems: Meaningful Feedback Approaches to Promote Critical and Creative Thinking

"Williams has presented an exceptional and comprehensive case outlining the necessity and limitations for learning in social settings. It's what makes us human; the capacity to do things for and with others. A powerful take away - communities need to be small enough for members to form positive relationships. Powerful message - well worth the read!"

Managing Director of the Global Young Academy

"I am always suspicious if a book offers a simple recipe to heal the world, but I truly enjoyed reading Mark Williams' thoughts. They sum up 25 years of research experience as a neuroscientist and widen convincingly the perspective from the individual to society. Neuroscience research tells us that stereotyping and group identification are the backbone of the success of the human species. These processes need now a deliberate steering, if we want to succeed in the 21st century. Williams calls us the “connected species” and he argues that we now need to make the right connections and enable our kids to reconnect."

The Connected Species

School Workshops & Presentations

There is so much information about the best way to teach students and what best-practice looks like. Much of what is espoused is fashionable rather than scientifically proven. It is easy to become confused by conflicting ideas and in-vogue methodologies that come and go.

Dr Mark Williams brings a no-nonsense and pragmatic approach to helping schools to understand what works and why. Mark’s popular Presentations, Workshops and Consultancy Services will equip your staff with the skills, tools and ongoing support they need to succeed.

Praise

Dr Williams gave a highly engaging session on the Neuroscience of Learning. It challenged conventional thinking and had educators reflecting upon their existing practices.

David
Head of Science (Middle School) Haileybury

I cannot thank you enough; the podcasts and web chats really helped my confidence in class, and the connection with the students is great. I’m working with a school refuser who is also Autistic; she is asking to come to school, it’s wonderful!

Steph
Primary Teacher (UK)

Every time I work with Mark, I see the positive educational effect

Margaret
Widening Participation Pathways Macquarie University

Mark will challenge you with the latest evidence, learnings and ideas and then support you to take steps towards positive changes. He’s authentic, approachable, captivating and inspiring.

Bonnie
Executive Office Edmund Rice Camps

Thank you so much for an amazing presentation!

Kathryn
NSW Department of Education

I’ve been to numerous (F2F) talks by Professor Mark Williams and seen him (first hand) work his magic with students across NSW. He has a scientifically informed approach to Learning and Teaching that many in the sector either don’t know and/or don’t realise the gravity of what they have a hunch on.

Prashan
International Award Winning Teacher

Your session … was fabulous! Thank you so much.

Vivienne
School-Link Coordinator - Child and Youth Mental Health Service

Thank you for the presentation Mark. It was extremely well received and the level of interaction impressive.

Kim
R/Learning and Wellbeing Advisor School Services Directorate

What a fantastic session with Mark Williams. Within an hour and half I had immense information about transforming teaching strategies to conform with latest finds in the neuroscience of learning.

Raihana
Teacher Dar Al Marefa Private School

Thanks for a great presentation last week!

Justin
Wellbeing Leading Counsellor

Thanks again for sharing with the team yesterday. The presentation was valued and created much discussion on how we respond – that’s awesome!

Jenny
Principal

I was not able to attend your talk, but have watched it recently. It was really excellent, yet terrifying.

Michael
Headmaster

The response from staff has been extremely positive and is already leading to further discussion. Thanks so much. We would love to work with you again.

Louise
Principal

A belated but very sincere thank you for your work with us last Monday. The teachers expressed an overwhelmingly positive response to your presentation. We built upon your ideas throughout the day in our Faculties and House pastoral teams.

Elizabeth
Deputy Principal

Thanks again for your presentation, your sessions were well received and appreciated. The information you shared has motivated our school leaders to re-think how students are engaging with technology.

Russell
Regional Director, QLD DoE

Are you a leader?

An organisation's most valuable asset is its people. And a person's most valuable asset is their brain. Learn how the brain works, why stress and anxiety are on the rise, how to improve productivity and innovation, and much more. Lots of actionable tips and effective strategies.

Conference Speaking

Dr Mark Williams is an internationally recognised Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience who has worked at top Universities in Australia and overseas including MIT in the USA.

He is a popular conference speaker, who backs up his contemporary thinking with down-to-earth pragmatism based on a ‘colourful’ background which very nearly took him to jail or an early grave.

Mark speaks with intelligence and warmth on issues around Education, Mental Health and Wellbeing.

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