Inaugural Lecture: Professor Mark Williams

Many factors contribute to the development of expertise. A common view is that experts are born rather than made, creating the perception that such individuals are ‘talented’ or ‘gifted’. However, research suggests that experts typically devote in excess of 10 years and 10,000 hours of practice to achieve excellence. An attempt is made to highlight the practice history profiles of elite performers, with a particular focus on sport, and to illustrate through reference to recent empirical research the type of psychological and neural adaptations that arise as a result of extended involvement in practice. A particular focus will be on the development of perceptual-cognitive skills such as anticipation and decision making. Practical implications for talent selection and development are highlighted, with attempts to illustrate the nature and type of practice activities most likely to help nurture future generations of experts.

A drinks reception will follow the lecture.

To reserve your place at the lecture, please email the Events Team at events@brunel.ac.uk or telephone 01895 266451, giving your name, organisation and email address. Please also indicate if you have any special access requirements.