On July 4, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, the research project “Identity and the Brain” was presented in Kyiv. The study was carried out by Belgian neurobiologist, art historian, and PhD Jan De Maere took place in Kyiv.
Mykola Tochytskyi, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, highlighted the importance of this work for Ukraine, especially in the context of the ongoing information war and cultural resistance.
“This research provides a scientific explanation to the question of why we have the right to be ourselves — Ukrainians. It is a powerful tool against propaganda”, the Minister stated.
The author, a professor at the Free University of Brussels, explores how the brain shapes both personal and national identity. His research brings together neuroscience, philosophy, art, and history.
“Personal and national identity have deep neurophysiological roots. When they are denied — as russia is doing in the case of Ukraine — it is not just politics, but an attack on human consciousness”, said Jan De Maere during his speech.
The study includes 15 chapters, covering everything from brain science to history and art. It concludes with a visual section, “The History of Ukraine in Maps”, illustrating how Ukrainian lands have changed over time through colonization, division, and loss.
You can watch the full presentation at the link below.
