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Personality in Residence: Prof. Dr. Tobias Esch

October 20th, 21st & 22nd
Physician, neuroscientist and health scientist

What constitutes a fulfilling life, and how can we achieve inner stability, even in times of uncertainty? Tobias Esch, a physician, neuroscientist and happiness researcher, has spent many years studying the biological, psychological and social foundations of health and life satisfaction. He brings together insights from medicine, mindfulness and modern brain research to gain a comprehensive understanding of people.

At SQUARE, he invites you to think, empathise and discuss. Through lectures and open discussions, he explores the science of happiness, self-efficacy and resilience, offering insights into how we can maintain our focus on what truly matters in a complex world.

The events are public and free. Registration is required for organizational reasons.

Programme

The Dyad – an exercise in listening

6 to 6:30 pm, SQUARE, Stage (2nd floor)

The dyad (from the Greek dyás, meaning two) is a practice that brings two people together in a form of meditative dialogue. In this exercise, one person speaks for a few minutes about what is currently on their mind. The other person simply holds the space with presence, openness, and silence, listening attentively without responding.

The introduction and reflective discussion of this shared practice will be guided by Prof. Dr. Tobias Esch.

Registration

What Gets You Out of Bed in the Morning?

Happiness and Well-Being in Times of Crisis. A keynote by neuroscientist, well-being researcher, physician and bestselling author Prof. Dr. Tobias Esch.

6 to 7 pm, SQUARE, Bühne (2. Stock)

Is there a link between happiness and health? Is happiness the same as life satisfaction, or is there a difference? And how are both connected to our personal lives and life paths on the one hand, and to the world we live and work in on the other?

Is happiness simply a 'nice-to-have', a kind of fair-weather product – like a vacation or a luxury item? What happens to happiness when crises strike? Or could crises even go hand in hand with personal growth, happiness, and satisfaction?

Research shows that personal experiences of happiness and larger biological or societal processes are not in opposition to one another, but are in fact deeply intertwined. To explore this relationship, we will ask what happiness really is, how it develops across the lifespan, what purpose it serves – and whether it is worth pursuing. And finally: can it be cultivated? Can happiness be learned?

At the heart of this exploration lie two central questions: What gets you out of bed in the morning? And: Why here?

Registration

Effective Science Communication

9 to 10:30 am, SQUARE, Residency Grid

How to Balance Media Visibility and Scientific Credibility?

This talk offers practical insights from Prof. Dr. Tobias Esch, a leading researcher on happiness. He shares his experiences and advice on working with the media, choosing the right words, and finding the sweet spot between being accessible to a broad audience and staying true to scientific precision.

Registration

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