Studium Generale Groningen organizes innovative activities at the intersection of science, culture, and society. As part of this program, Professor of Psychiatry Iris Sommer will give a lecture on her latest book The Voice of the Brain. During the event, she will take attendees on a journey through the fascinating relationship between language, thought, and mental health.
Language is the foundation of everything that makes us human, according to Iris Sommer. We use words to think and to express our inner world of experience. Language is therefore a barometer of our mental health.
Psychiatrist Iris Sommer has channeled her longstanding fascination with language—which she developed as a researcher in psychiatry—into her new book: The Voice of the Brain. How does your language use change when you have a mental disorder? And just how unique is human language, really? How does it differ from animal language and the language of AI bots?
Iris Sommer is a professor of Psychiatry at the UMCG. She is currently researching how mental disturbances, such as psychosis, can be predicted by carefully listening to how a person uses language while speaking. Previously, she conducted groundbreaking research on hearing voices. For her research on severe psychiatric disorders and improved treatments for women, Sommer received the Stevin Prize in 2026, the Netherlands’ highest honor for research with significant societal impact. She has written several popular science books, such as Haperende hersenen (2018) and The Female Brain (2020).
On Sunday, April 18, 2027, the Groningen Marathon powered by Campus Groningen will take place. This is the ultimate running adventure in Groningen that you won’t want to miss, featuring four different events that offer a sporting challenge for everyone.
New this year: on Saturday 17 April 2027, you can also explore Groningen on foot during the Marathon Groningen powered by Campus Groningen. Choose between the Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.1 km) or 10 km, and enjoy the city and its surroundings along the way. A new way to be part of the Marathon Groningen weekend. Choose your distance and join in the walk!
Talent
Have you already started looking into a Master’s programme and are you now looking for more detailed information? Then come along to the Master’s Open Day!
