Empathy neuroscience: translational relevance for conflict resolution

Convenors:
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen FBA, University of Cambridge
Haifa Staiti, Gather Fellow, Seeds of Peace, Canada
Dr Ahmad Abu-Akel, Birmingham University
Professor Ruth Feldman, Bar-Ilan University, Israel and Yale University
Professor Simone Shamay-Tsoory, Haifa University, Israel
Alex Gabbay, Film Director, London.

This conference brings together empathy neuroscience research to tackle a key translational challenge: its relevance for conflict resolution. It focuses on the idea that taking the other person’s perspective is ultimately necessary to resolve conflict; and that conflicts are perpetuated by adopting a single perspective. The conference considers the relevance of empathy neuroscience for policy makers working in conflict resolution. The meeting will bring together an international panel of speakers drawn from outstanding scientists, clinicians, scholars, and charities, focusing particularly on the potential role of empathy in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The aim is to enable dialogue and a better understanding of empathy, and to promote the development of evidence-based interventions that foster empathy in conflict zones.

Speakers include:
Opening remarks by Professor Nicholas Stern (Lord Stern of Brentford), FBA, FRS, President of the British Academy
Dr Ahmad Abu-Akel, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK
Dr Cairo Arafat, Save the Children, Ramallah, Palestine
Dr Emile Bruneau, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA Professor Bhismadev Chakrabarti, Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics, University of Reading
Professor Dale Hay, Child Development Studies, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Wales
Dr Talma Hendler, Tel Aviv University
Dr Ned Lazarus, Program Officer, The Israel Institute
Professor James Leckman, Child Study Center, Yale University, USA
Professor Hillel Levine, Department of Religion, Boston University, and International Center for Conciliation, Boston
Nawal Musleh-Motut, School of Communication, Simon Fraser University, Canada
Professor Sari Nusseibeh, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem
Ms Joana Osman, The Peace Factory
Dr Tawfiq Salman, Palestinian Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, Bethlehem, Palestine
Mr Matt Waldman, Associate Fellow Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, UK