Café Scientifique provides a unique forum for the discussion of topical and thought provoking scientific issues in a way that is much more relaxed, informal and accessible than a public lecture.

Events are normally held in cafés and each begins with a short talk from a speaker who is usually a scientist or science writer. The audience consists of people who have an interest in science but generally never have the opportunity to discuss their views on the implications of science for society.

The latest Cafe Scientique event was held at Intercollege in Nicosia on Thursday, 7 December 2006. Students from Cyprus, Serbia and UK participated via video conference.

The speaker, Professor Daniel Nettle, writer of the book “Happiness: The Science Behind Your Smile” emphasized the distinction between short term and long term happiness and listed three main findings of research that outline the key issues distinguishing happy people from the not so happy ones.

First of all, people who have meaningful relationships in their lives and who are able to connect with others are happier. Secondly, people who live in communities with a sense of belonging and safety are happier. And last but not least, people who have more autonomy in their work and who can control their work situation are happier.

Money, which is very often associated with happiness makes people happy usually when in conjunction with other things. For example, money earned together with some sort of achievement and success is more happiness inducing than money earned from lottery.

After his speech, Professor Nettle posed three questions for the audience. The essence of the questions were :

1) What makes you and your society happy?

2) What changes would you like to see in your culture that would make it a better, happier society?

3) What are the good things in your society that you would like to see preserved?

Biography

Daniel Nettle studied psychology in Oxford and anthropology in London. He is currently Reader in Psychology at Newcastle University. He studies human personality, emotions and well-being and is the author of several books including ‘Happiness: The Science Behind your Smile’ (Oxford 2005). He likes diving and has a silver hat

Abstract: People all over the world and all through history have talked about happiness, but can we understand happiness scientifically? Why are some people happier than others? What happens in the brains of happy people? Can we manufacture drugs to make us happy? Will people become happier as societies develop? Daniel Nettle discusses these and many other questions from the psychology of happiness.

If you are interested in future events or would simply like to know more about this project, please contact Monica Tantele

T 22 585231