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The 21st Century Brain
  • Published: 30 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9781529973730
  • Imprint: Transworld Digital
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $40.00

The 21st Century Brain

Cutting edge neuroscience to help us navigate the future

Formats & editions
Tr. Paperback
19 May 2026
Hardback
30 May 2026
EBook
30 Apr 2026
Audiobook
30 Apr 2026
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Internationally acclaimed, bestselling neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow harnesses cutting-edge science to show how we can lean into human strengths to flourish in the face of future global challenges.

How do we keep up in the face of AI? How do we nurture our children''s brains so they have the resilience to thrive during the coming wave of technological, and societal change? Are we biologically equipped as the pace of change accelerates?

Neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow takes the current conversation in a positive new direction, taking readers on an empowering journey through the fascinating landscape of the latest neuroscience research and deep into their own intelligence.

AI is going to push the skills that make us most human—skills like curiosity, compassion, communication, courage and creativity—to the centre of our working lives. We should lean into our collaborative skills, our evolving 'hive mind', our ability to intuit and to think long-term, to adapt and to focus. Dr Critchlow explores how we build collective wisdom, and how we best fuel our brains.

In a book filled with stories of pioneering research and case studies, and with advice and brain exercises, she shows us how to navigate the coming transformational decades with informed confidence.
  • Published: 30 April 2026
  • ISBN: 9781529973730
  • Imprint: Transworld Digital
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $40.00
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About the author

Hannah Critchlow

Hannah Critchlow, PhD, HonsDSc is an internationally acclaimed neuroscientist, broadcaster, author and Fellow at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge. She has appeared on the BBC, Australian ABC and Korean TV and radio and gives regular talks to diverse audiences across the world. Her expertise lies in consciousness, learning and memory, decision-making, intelligence, collaboration between minds and our relationship with AI. In 2019 she was named by Nature as a ‘Rising Star in Life Sciences’ and was recognised as a ‘Top 100 UK scientist’ by the UK Science Council. Her book Consciousness: A Ladybird Expert Guide, was published with Penguin in 2018. The Science of Fate, published by Hodder & Stoughton in May 2019, made The Sunday Times Bestseller list. Hannah’s latest book, Joined-up Thinking, was published in English and Mandarin in 2022 to critical acclaim and she has spoken globally to international policy officials on its findings. She has two doctorates: her research PhD investigating synaptic plasticity from Cambridge University, completed in 2007, and an Honorary Doctorate from Brunel University received in 2022 for her global contribution to neuroscience and communication. In March 2026 she received the Rosalind Franklin Lecture Medal from Humanists UK.
HC

Praise for The 21st Century Brain

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

Engaging and profoundly positive.

The Bookseller

Full of fascinating new research. Profoundly empowering.

Professor Hannah Fry, author of Hello World

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

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

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

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

Extensively draws on international research ... convincingly explained.

Irish Times