Mind in Motion
Mind in Motion is my public talk series grounded in the belief that science is for everyone. These talks make psychology accessible to the public, exploring how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours shape the way we live and connect.
Slice of Science
26 September 2025, 3pm, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
The Paradox of Loneliness: Why and How We Avoid Connection When We Need It Most?
​Loneliness is a paradox: it signals us to seek connection, yet often drives us to avoid it. In our virtual reality study, measuring heart rate variability and interpersonal distance, we found that lonelier individuals kept others at a greater distance and showed heightened physiological arousal, as if social contact were threatening. This avoidance response may help explain why loneliness persists, the very moment we most need closeness, our minds and bodies avoid.
Norwich Science Festival
19 February 2025, 1pm, Norwich University of the Arts, Norwich, UK
Science of Self: Loneliness
Join Psychologist Ceyda Kiyak and Cognitive Neuroscientist Dr Sara Bengtsson for a thought-provoking talk on the psychology of loneliness and the science of human connections. Explore the cognitive and emotional consequences of social isolation as we delve into the effect that loneliness can have on the brain, mind, and behaviour. Packed with valuable insights and practical knowledge, discover how modern research, including the use of virtual reality, could be the key to helping us better understand this complex human experience.
Pint of Science
15 May 2024, 7pm, Cafe Marzano, Norwich, UK
Lonely Minds, Virtual Realities: The Science of Loneliness
Have you ever felt lonely and noticed the world seems different? We see the world not as it is, but as we are. When we feel lonely, our perceptions shape the lens through which we view the world, especially when it comes to facial emotion processing, social interactions and memory. In this talk, we will shed light on these cognitive biases and discover how virtual reality offers an exciting path to study them. Join us to demystify loneliness through engaging, accessible science, and learn strategies to overcome loneliness.
Norwich Psychology Meetup
26 February 2025, 7pm, Brewdog, Norwich, UK
The Psychology of Loneliness and Connection
Join us at BrewDog Norwich for a thought-provoking evening exploring the psychology of loneliness, social isolation, and human connection. In today’s world, digital interactions are often replacing face-to-face contact, and research shows that loneliness has become a growing epidemic. This event will explore the profound impact of loneliness on mental health and well-being, and how we can better understand it through research on cognitive biases. Ceyda Kiyak, Psychologist and PhD Researcher at UEA, will share her knowledge and insights into how science can help us rethink loneliness and connection.