Dr. Sutton’s visits inspire St George’s psychology students to explore more about general health, genetics and neuroscience. They are introduced to the theory and practice of forensic and clinical psychology, criminal profiling and offender populations, schizophrenia and informed about the latest ground breaking research in neurobiology.  

As part of his residency, Sutton will be holding a free twilight workshop for the public on Thursday 13 October titled “Are criminals ‘born’ or ‘made’?”. Sutton will take a look at whether there is a ‘hard-wiring’ problem in the brain of a violent offender or whether criminal behaviour is linked to biochemical imbalances. Do some individuals have a genetic predisposition to crime? Or perhaps criminality is more likely influenced by social factors such as maternal neglect, peer pressure or learning from a family member?

Sutton says that recent research suggests that the social world influences the activity of our genes, in turn affecting brain function. Indeed, neuroscientists are beginning to explore how the brain might be linked to certain behaviours linked with criminality.

The lecture begins at 5:30 in St George’s new auditorium in the Zinnen building. For more information or to book a seat, contact St George’s psychology teacher Jackie Moody via email: [email protected].