Vilnius University, together with the Vilnius University Life Sciences Center, invites you to a new initiative – the VU diskusijų klubas, a space for bold thinking and interdisciplinary dialogue. Here, science meets culture, and complex ideas turn into accessible conversations.
The first discussion – “The Prediction Error” – will invite participants to explore the unexpected events that shape our thinking, actions, and understanding of the world.
A doctor rushes to save a patient, convinced it’s a heart attack – yet the real cause is entirely different. A journalist firmly believes that his article will become a sensation, yet it fades away unnoticed. In our brains, neurons await a strong response but receive none – this moment of dissonance can be a powerful drive for learning, though sometimes the opposite happens. Every unexpected experience is a prediction error that shapes how we think, act, and perceive the world.
Experts from various fields will discuss this phenomenon from different perspectives:
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Prof. Berent Prakken (Utrecht University) – on the importance of integrating error in scientific research. He also leads Utrecht University’s discussion club Public Dialogues;
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karolis Ažukaitis, pediatric nephrologist and researcher – on prediction errors in medical diagnostics;
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Assoc. Prof. Liutauras Ulevičius, Faculty of Communication – on disinformation paranoia and the reader’s reaction when faced with contradictory information;
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Prof. Urtė Neniškytė, neuroscientist – on how the brain copes with unexpected events;
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Dr. Paulius Rimkevičius, philosopher – on the philosophical origins of prediction error.
The discussion will be held in English.
Location: Aula Parva, Vilnius University Central Building, Universiteto St. 3, Vilnius
The event is open to everyone, but registration is required (by December 1). Due to high interest, registration is now closed. Those who did not manage to register are invited to follow the discussion remotely via the Microsoft Teams platform or on YouTube.
Organizers’ contacts:
Ieva Šiugždaitė – Science Programme Coordinator, Initiative Author –
Bernadeta Kaminskaitė – Communications and Public Outreach Coordinator –
Igor Nagula – Partnerships and Logistics Coordinator –
