Gilly Forrester
@gillyforrester.bsky.social
Prof of comparative cognition investigating how we evolved & develop cognitive abilities (w/wo neurodiverse conditions) Researching brains & behaviours of human infants & children, gorillas, chimpanzees & orangutans. Passionate about science communication
Pinned
Think Again- Laughter, Lies & Gambling
Broadcaster Claudia Hammond hosts THINK AGAIN!
www.eventbrite.co.uk
Broadcaster @claudiahammond.bsky.social takes us on a tour of the Psychology of Laughter, Lies and Gambling with psychologists Tom Ormerod, Bryan Singer and me 😃 to reveal why we laugh, what happens in the brain when we gamble and how to spot a liar
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/think-agai...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/think-agai...
Thanks to BBC Radio Sussex for inviting me to tell listeners about our live science panel show this evening at Ironworks Studios Brighton on the science of LAUGHTER, LIES AND GAMBLING hosted by @claudiahammond.bsky.social with panelists from the University of Sussex, School of Psychology 😃
November 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Thanks to BBC Radio Sussex for inviting me to tell listeners about our live science panel show this evening at Ironworks Studios Brighton on the science of LAUGHTER, LIES AND GAMBLING hosted by @claudiahammond.bsky.social with panelists from the University of Sussex, School of Psychology 😃
If this doesn't make you smile - nothing will. 😹 Bugsy is obsessed with the chimp smells that PhD student Perrine has brought back from Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary -Mr Lee (sanctuary cat) - you have competition! #happycaturday #cat
November 15, 2025 at 12:15 PM
If this doesn't make you smile - nothing will. 😹 Bugsy is obsessed with the chimp smells that PhD student Perrine has brought back from Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary -Mr Lee (sanctuary cat) - you have competition! #happycaturday #cat
Less than 2 weeks until the next live science panel show!
THINK AGAIN! hosted by BBC broadcaster Claudia Hammond -with panellists from the University of Sussex. The topic is the science of: LAUGHTER, LIES AND GAMBLING 🤭🤥🎰
18th November, Ironworks Studios Brighton
For tickets scan QR code below 👇
THINK AGAIN! hosted by BBC broadcaster Claudia Hammond -with panellists from the University of Sussex. The topic is the science of: LAUGHTER, LIES AND GAMBLING 🤭🤥🎰
18th November, Ironworks Studios Brighton
For tickets scan QR code below 👇
November 6, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Less than 2 weeks until the next live science panel show!
THINK AGAIN! hosted by BBC broadcaster Claudia Hammond -with panellists from the University of Sussex. The topic is the science of: LAUGHTER, LIES AND GAMBLING 🤭🤥🎰
18th November, Ironworks Studios Brighton
For tickets scan QR code below 👇
THINK AGAIN! hosted by BBC broadcaster Claudia Hammond -with panellists from the University of Sussex. The topic is the science of: LAUGHTER, LIES AND GAMBLING 🤭🤥🎰
18th November, Ironworks Studios Brighton
For tickets scan QR code below 👇
How wonderful that our thermal stress research from the University of Sussex is having such fantastic reach around the world with this latest piece for kids in The Week Junior 😃 #kidsinstem #stemeducation #biology #stress #wellbeing
October 27, 2025 at 12:59 PM
How wonderful that our thermal stress research from the University of Sussex is having such fantastic reach around the world with this latest piece for kids in The Week Junior 😃 #kidsinstem #stemeducation #biology #stress #wellbeing
Reposted by Gilly Forrester
Our show on the scientific secrets of games - and why we love to play them - is on @BBCRadio4 1630 today. With the brilliant @gillyforrester.bsky.social @steckl.es and #TheTraitorsUK ‘s Jazatha Christie himself - Jaz Singh.
So much fun to make. Hope you enjoy!
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
So much fun to make. Hope you enjoy!
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - BBC Inside Science, Why do we love to play games?
The science and maths of playing The Traitors recorded at Green Man Festival.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 16, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Our show on the scientific secrets of games - and why we love to play them - is on @BBCRadio4 1630 today. With the brilliant @gillyforrester.bsky.social @steckl.es and #TheTraitorsUK ‘s Jazatha Christie himself - Jaz Singh.
So much fun to make. Hope you enjoy!
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
So much fun to make. Hope you enjoy!
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
We had loads of fun at Green Man Festival recording BBC Radio4 Inside Science episode on 'why do we love to play games?' with Victoria Gill. Pleasure meeting panelists: The Traitors faithful Jaz Singh and mathematician Dr Katie Steckles. The episode airs this afternoon
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - BBC Inside Science, Why do we love to play games?
The science and maths of playing The Traitors recorded at Green Man Festival.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 16, 2025 at 10:36 AM
We had loads of fun at Green Man Festival recording BBC Radio4 Inside Science episode on 'why do we love to play games?' with Victoria Gill. Pleasure meeting panelists: The Traitors faithful Jaz Singh and mathematician Dr Katie Steckles. The episode airs this afternoon
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
This piece just posted by Vic Gill on BBC News - look out for my team doing interviews across national and regional BBC radio today! University of Sussex University of Sussex School of Psychology Perrine Théroude Marianne Paisley
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Thermal cameras read stress on my face
Psychologists subjected a BBC reporter to a carefully designed thermal camera stress test.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 13, 2025 at 5:30 AM
This piece just posted by Vic Gill on BBC News - look out for my team doing interviews across national and regional BBC radio today! University of Sussex University of Sussex School of Psychology Perrine Théroude Marianne Paisley
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What an absolute treat to end our research day with the sighting of an adult and juvenile Congo Pied Hornbill from a treetop platform at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
October 9, 2025 at 2:16 PM
What an absolute treat to end our research day with the sighting of an adult and juvenile Congo Pied Hornbill from a treetop platform at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Do you recognise her? It's because we're related. Just like you and me she has thoughts, emotions, desires, friendships, joy, grief and everything in between. When we learn about what it means to be human we are also learning what it means to be ape.
October 7, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Do you recognise her? It's because we're related. Just like you and me she has thoughts, emotions, desires, friendships, joy, grief and everything in between. When we learn about what it means to be human we are also learning what it means to be ape.
We’ve arrived at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone for a research visit to better understand chimpanzee behaviour and stress responses- using humans as a psychological model for mental wellbeing.
October 4, 2025 at 6:08 PM
We’ve arrived at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone for a research visit to better understand chimpanzee behaviour and stress responses- using humans as a psychological model for mental wellbeing.
Thank you BBC Radio Sussex for inviting me to share my thoughts about the legendary Jane Goodall this morning - you can listen at 11:09
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
October 2, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Thank you BBC Radio Sussex for inviting me to share my thoughts about the legendary Jane Goodall this morning - you can listen at 11:09
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Today we must say goodbye to Jane Goodall. However, for millions like me, her messaging and her work to learn about and conserve chimpanzees will continue. Thank you Jane, for a lifetime of dedication, passion and tireless effort to help us to connect with and protect our cousins.
October 1, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Today we must say goodbye to Jane Goodall. However, for millions like me, her messaging and her work to learn about and conserve chimpanzees will continue. Thank you Jane, for a lifetime of dedication, passion and tireless effort to help us to connect with and protect our cousins.
Reposted by Gilly Forrester
Learn how the human brain evolved as Sussex psychologist Professor @gillyforrester.bsky.social shows @jimalkhalili.bsky.social how primates tackle survival challenges in Secrets of the Brain. Watch now on iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Secrets of the Brain - Series 1: Episode 2
From playing computer games with chimpanzees to studying modern relationships, Jim Al-Khalili investigates how the brain evolved and how it differs from AI.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Learn how the human brain evolved as Sussex psychologist Professor @gillyforrester.bsky.social shows @jimalkhalili.bsky.social how primates tackle survival challenges in Secrets of the Brain. Watch now on iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Secrets of the Brain is now available on player! 🧠🧠🧠https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002k783/secrets-of-the-brain-series-1-episode-2
Secrets of the Brain - Series 1: Episode 2
From playing computer games with chimpanzees to studying modern relationships, Jim Al-Khalili investigates how the brain evolved and how it differs from AI.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 29, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Secrets of the Brain is now available on player! 🧠🧠🧠https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002k783/secrets-of-the-brain-series-1-episode-2
Today we are in matching jumpers and getting used to a new lead. Bugsy definitely wears it better! 😂 #Brighton #catsofinstagram #happysunday
September 21, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Today we are in matching jumpers and getting used to a new lead. Bugsy definitely wears it better! 😂 #Brighton #catsofinstagram #happysunday
Thank you Cafe Scientifique Brighton for inviting me to speak to your members about measuring stress using thermal imaging based on my research at the University of Sussex. I highly recommend this free public talk series for both speakers and listeners www.meetup.com/brighton-caf...
September 19, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Thank you Cafe Scientifique Brighton for inviting me to speak to your members about measuring stress using thermal imaging based on my research at the University of Sussex. I highly recommend this free public talk series for both speakers and listeners www.meetup.com/brighton-caf...
Thanks @newscientist.com for inviting my comment on thermal imaging and stress research in human and non-human great apes! 📹 www.newscientist.com/article/mg26...
Why your nose could be the perfect window into your mental state
Diagnosing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can be difficult, but it turns out that your nose could help doctors understand when you are feeling the strain, says Gillian Forrester
www.newscientist.com
September 14, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Thanks @newscientist.com for inviting my comment on thermal imaging and stress research in human and non-human great apes! 📹 www.newscientist.com/article/mg26...
A 2 minute read:
www.scientificamerican.com/article/chim...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/chim...
Chimps, Humans and Macaques All Love a Little Drama
Our social voyeurism may have deep evolutionary roots
www.scientificamerican.com
September 4, 2025 at 9:49 AM
A 2 minute read:
www.scientificamerican.com/article/chim...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/chim...
This lovely BBC short doc presented by Melissa Hoganboom has garnered over 2M views! So pleased to have been a contributor to this and the longer form doc 'Brainhacks' back in 2023 #research #development #brains #cognition
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi9X...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi9X...
'How I rewired my brain in six weeks' - BBC News
YouTube video by BBC News
www.youtube.com
September 4, 2025 at 9:33 AM
This lovely BBC short doc presented by Melissa Hoganboom has garnered over 2M views! So pleased to have been a contributor to this and the longer form doc 'Brainhacks' back in 2023 #research #development #brains #cognition
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi9X...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi9X...
Broadcaster @claudiahammond.bsky.social takes us on a tour of the Psychology of Laughter, Lies and Gambling with psychologists Tom Ormerod, Bryan Singer and me 😃 to reveal why we laugh, what happens in the brain when we gamble and how to spot a liar
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/think-agai...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/think-agai...
Think Again- Laughter, Lies & Gambling
Broadcaster Claudia Hammond hosts THINK AGAIN!
www.eventbrite.co.uk
August 24, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Broadcaster @claudiahammond.bsky.social takes us on a tour of the Psychology of Laughter, Lies and Gambling with psychologists Tom Ormerod, Bryan Singer and me 😃 to reveal why we laugh, what happens in the brain when we gamble and how to spot a liar
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/think-agai...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/think-agai...
Super excited to announce our next THINK AGAIN! show in November hosted by @claudiahammond.bsky.social We'll be chatting about Laughter, Lies and Gambling. Tickets will be on sale soon! #psychology #research #laughter #lies #gambling
August 20, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Super excited to announce our next THINK AGAIN! show in November hosted by @claudiahammond.bsky.social We'll be chatting about Laughter, Lies and Gambling. Tickets will be on sale soon! #psychology #research #laughter #lies #gambling
Obsessed with this new single released by Edie Blue - and so looking forward to her new album release coming soon ❤️ Having a very proud mother moment. open.spotify.com/track/0zNrx4...
See It Through
Edie Blue · See It Through · Song · 2025
open.spotify.com
August 20, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Obsessed with this new single released by Edie Blue - and so looking forward to her new album release coming soon ❤️ Having a very proud mother moment. open.spotify.com/track/0zNrx4...
Awesome day @greenmanfest.bsky.social science journalist and presenter @bbcvic.bsky.social, #Traitors #faithful Jaz Singh, and mathematician @steckl.es for a live recording of #BBC Radio 4 Inside Science - all about games and the role they play in human and animal life 🎲🎰🎮
August 18, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Awesome day @greenmanfest.bsky.social science journalist and presenter @bbcvic.bsky.social, #Traitors #faithful Jaz Singh, and mathematician @steckl.es for a live recording of #BBC Radio 4 Inside Science - all about games and the role they play in human and animal life 🎲🎰🎮
Have you missed BBC Horizon? Then don't miss a very special free pre-screening (with Q&A) of: Secrets of the Brain - hosted by @claudiahammond.bsky.social
Join Claudia, me and BAFTA/Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Smith 22nd September 6:30pm at the University of Sussex 🧠
tinyurl.com/3tcetryj
Join Claudia, me and BAFTA/Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Smith 22nd September 6:30pm at the University of Sussex 🧠
tinyurl.com/3tcetryj
August 12, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Have you missed BBC Horizon? Then don't miss a very special free pre-screening (with Q&A) of: Secrets of the Brain - hosted by @claudiahammond.bsky.social
Join Claudia, me and BAFTA/Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Smith 22nd September 6:30pm at the University of Sussex 🧠
tinyurl.com/3tcetryj
Join Claudia, me and BAFTA/Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Smith 22nd September 6:30pm at the University of Sussex 🧠
tinyurl.com/3tcetryj
On the radio this morning #BBC Radio Sussex with Sarah Gorrell chatting about a new study about gorilla female relationships from researchers at University of Zurich: royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...
You can listen here by rewinding to 10:38
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
You can listen here by rewinding to 10:38
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Dispersed female networks: female gorillas’ inter-group relationships influence dispersal decisions | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Dispersal is a fundamental aspect of many animal societies, impacting gene flow, knowledge
transmission, culture and individual fitness. However, little is known about the information
individuals use ...
royalsocietypublishing.org
August 6, 2025 at 10:16 AM
On the radio this morning #BBC Radio Sussex with Sarah Gorrell chatting about a new study about gorilla female relationships from researchers at University of Zurich: royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...
You can listen here by rewinding to 10:38
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
You can listen here by rewinding to 10:38
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...