The D.O. Hebb Lecture Series was initiated in 1989 in memory of Hebb’s contribution to the science of behavior. Invited speakers of the D.O. Lecture series are scientists who have made distinguished empirical contributions to basic research in all areas of psychology. It is currently made possible by the generous support of the D.O. Hebb Endowment Memorial Fund.
Most speakers also deliver an informal seminar held in the morning.
January 23, 2026 at 3:30pm
McIntyre Medical Building, Room 522
Dr. Michael Platt
University of Pennsylvania
Title TBD
Abstract: TBD
January 16th, 2026 at 3:30pm
McIntyre Medical Building, Room 504
Dr. Matthew Nock
Harvard University
Using new technologies to improve the understanding, prediction, and prevention of suicide
Abstract: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the US and worldwide, especially among youth. Yet, suicide continues to be a perplexing and poorly understood problem that clinicians have struggled to accurately predict and prevent. This presentation highlights how the development of digital and computational tools (e.g., smartphones, wearable sensors, machine learning algorithms) have led to advances in the understanding, prediction, and prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Specifically, this presentation will describe how such approaches have improved our ability to identify which patients are at greatest risk, when risk is greatest, and how to effectively intervene in real-time to decrease risk of self-harm.
November 07, 2025 at 3:30pm
2001 McGill College, Room 461
Dr. Minjeong Jeon
University of California - Los Angeles
TBD
Abstract: TBD
Sept 19, 2025 at 3:30pm
McIntyre Medical Building, Room 502
Dr. Kristina Ol![]()
son
Gender Diversity in Childhood Adolescence
Abstract: As the number of transgender and nonbinary youth is increasing, so too is criticism and concern about these youth. In this talk, I will describe the first 10 years of an in-depth, long-term study of transgender, nonbinary and cisgender youth. I’ll describe what we’ve learned about their gender identities and wellbeing over time and how what we’ve learned about these youth speaks to long-standing debates in developmental, clinical, and social psychology – and also debates happening in the media, school boards and courtrooms.