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At Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, Profesor Ian Robertson talks about his new book, The Winner Effect.

The Winner Effect investigates what makes a winner, why some succeed in life and business, whereas others fail, and why few individuals become supremely powerful, while many remain powerless. Through scientific and psychological analysis, Ian Robertson shows how success affects the inner workings of the brain and explores the implications for this on individuals -- in business, on the public stage and in family life.

'The winner effect' is a term used in biology to describe how an animal that has won a few fights against weak opponents is much more likely to win later bouts against stronger contenders. As Ian Robertson reveals, it applies to humans, too: achievement changes the chemistry of the brain making people more focused, smarter, more confident and more aggressive. The effect is as strong as a drug, and the more an individual wins, the more they will go on to win. In fact, winning can become physically addictive.

By understanding what the mental and physical changes are that take place in the brain of a 'winner', how they happen, and why they affect some people more than others, Ian Robertson shows why some people attain and handle success better than others. He explains what makes a winner -- and a loser -- and how knowing this can help to understand better the behaviour of one's colleagues, employees, family, and friends.

For those interested in the rise to pre-eminence of figures like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, The Winner Effect is invaluable. At a time when entrepreneurship is so fascinating to many, the book sheds new light on the physiological and psychological causes for rising to the top. For readers interested in science, education, business, politics and psychology this is a definitive book for a 'go-getting' age.

Newsworthy angles presented by Ian Robertson include the conclusion that had there been more women in boardrooms, it might have prevented risk-taking, such as that which occurred at corporations like Enron. Individual case studies featured in the book include: Picasso, Caravaggio, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Frank Bruno, Mike Tyson, Enron, Fred Goodwin, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

About Ian Robertson

A neuroscientist and trained clinical psychologist, Ian Robertson is an international expert on neuropsychology. He is currently Professor of Psychology at Trinity College Dublin, and formerly Fellow of Hughes Hall, Cambridge. Ian holds visiting professorships at the University of Toronto, University College London, and the University of Wales. Ian is a member of the Royal Irish Academy and has published over 250 scientific articles in leading journals. He is also author and editor of ten scientific books, including the leading international textbook on cognitive rehabilitation (Cognitive Neurorehabilitation), and three books for the general reader (Mind Sculpture: Unleashing Your Brain's Potential; The Mind's Eye: The Essential Guide to Boosting Your Mental; Emotional and Physical Powers, and Stay Sharp with the Mind Doctor: Practical Strategies to Boost Your Brain Power). Ian is a regular keynote speaker at conferences on brain function throughout the world.