The 21st Century Brain

Extensively draws on international research … convincingly explained. * Irish Times *
The 21st Century Brain is an engaging, accessible and optimistic look at how neuroscience can help us navigate the challenges of this century. * Daily Mail *
Full of fascinating new research. Profoundly empowering. – Professor Hannah Fry, author of Hello World
The 21st Century Brain is a vital book for understanding how our brains can adapt and thrive in an age of innovation. Boundlessly thoughtful and practical, it will help you make better decisions, become more curious and creative, and foster deeper intelligence and wisdom. Essential reading for anyone thinking seriously about the future. – Joseph Jebelli, author of The Brain at Rest
The 21st Century Brain combines long-established scientific knowledge and the latest research to build an intriguing picture of our brain and the mind housed within it. With personal anecdotes, clearly explained science and useful exercises to help our brains cope with the challenges of our technological world, Dr. Critchlow has given us a fascinating neuroscience book that is also a guide to modern life. It’s a brilliant book that I will read more than once. – Dr Darragh Ennis, neuroscientist and professional quizzer
Serious and impressive … Critchlow deserves praise for her rigour and optimism …She argues persuasively that we already possess all of the mental attributes we need to survive and thrive … Critchlow covers some fascinating recent science about diet, the gut-brain axis and my favourite organelles, mitochondria … Her tips for honing mental capacity at the end of each of the six chapters are both useful and actionable .. [an} expert, measured manifesto. – Graham Lawton * New Scientist *
Engaging and profoundly positive. * The Bookseller *
An engaging and wide-ranging tour through modern neuroscience, brought to life with Hannah Critchlow’s trademark clarity and eye for everyday relevance. – Dr Paul Goldsmith, author of The Evolving Brain

Hannah Critchlow, PhD, HonsDSc

Hannah Critchlow is an internationally acclaimed neuroscientist, broadcaster, author, and Fellow at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge. Her expertise spans consciousness, learning and memory, decision-making, intelligence, collaboration between minds, and our relationship with AI.

Critchlow has appeared on major broadcasting platforms, including the BBC, Australian ABC, and Korean TV and radio, and regularly delivers talks to diverse global audiences. In 2019, Nature recognized her as a ‘Rising Star in Life Sciences,’ and the UK Science Council named her a ‘Top 100 UK Scientist.’

Her published works include:

• Consciousness: A Ladybird Expert Guide (Penguin, 2018)
• The Science of Fate (Hodder & Stoughton, 2019), which became a Sunday Times bestseller.
• Joined-up Thinking (2022), published in English and Mandarin to critical acclaim. She has presented its findings to international policy officials globally.

Critchlow holds two doctorates:

• A PhD from Cambridge University (2007) investigating synaptic plasticity.
• An Honorary Doctorate from Brunel University (2022) in recognition of her global contributions to neuroscience and communication.

In March 2026, she was awarded the Rosalind Franklin Lecture Medal by Humanists UK.

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