Prof. Sophie Scott

Sophie Scott is a renowned Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London and a comedian who is able to utilise her professional knowledge of the human brain to create brilliant and hilarious shows. One of the leading experts of neuroscience, her TEDxExeter talk ‘Why we Laugh’ has been viewed over 4.5 million times. Sophie, a seasoned speaker and comedian, is able to read the room like no other and can adapt her shows to the needs of the audience.

At UCL, Sophie is leading the research into the science of laughter, and how this non-verbal form of communication it a lot more important than we are led to believe. Having published countless scholarly articles since 1990, Sophie has devoted much of her life to understanding the complexities of our brain, specifically, the neuroscience of voices, speech and laugher. She has since become the Director of the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience and group leader for the Speech Communication Lab at UCL. In recognition of her pioneering work, in 2012 she became the recipient of Provost’s Award for Public Engagement. She also held a Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship between 2001 and 2004, and then held a Wellcome Trust Senior Fellowship between 2005 and 2016 and had the honour of presenting the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures in 2017 titled ‘The Language of Life’.

With much experience speaking in front of a crowd, be it during her lectures or on the TEDx stage, it is no wonder Sophie is such a natural comedian at home in front of a crowd. She has featured in an episode of BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Scientific Life’ and has been invited to give a Friday Evening Disclosure at the Royal Institution on the science of laughter. Her incredible scientific knowledge coupled with her innate ability to make people laugh also made Sophie perfect guest panellist for BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Infinite Monkey Cage’. In recognition of her services to neuroscience, she was appointed a CBE in the 2020 Birthday Honours.

Sophie’s ascent into comedy is truly one like no other – able to offer unique shows utilising her professional background in neuroscience, Sophie is sure to have your guests laughing all night long with her whit and humour. If you are looking for an exceptional comedian who captivates the audience and is able to get the room hanging off her every word, look no further than Professor Sophie Scott to hire at your next event!