In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Augustinergasse 2
Basel, Basel-Stadt (de), 4051
Switzerland

Christine Blume

Christine is a sleep scientist at the Centre for Chronobiology of the University of Basel and the University’s Psychiatric Hospital (UPK). She studied psychology in Germany and the UK and obtained her doctorate at the University of Salzburg, Austria, before moving to Basel. Christine’s research centres around human sleep and the biological and psychological mechanisms involved. She is particularly interested in the effects of natural and artificial light on sleep. Besides this, she is passionate about science communication and works a sleep therapist at the UPK Basel.

Crispin Thurlow

Crispin grew up in South Africa and England where he trained as a psychologist and then an actor. Long story short, he is now Professor of Language and Communication at the University of Bern. He previously held professorships at the University of Washington in the USA and completed his PhD at Cardiff University in Wales. As a sociolinguist, Crispin’s core research interest lies in the way people make sense of social difference and inequality in their everyday communication. He is currently finishing off a new book titled The Language of Elitism.

Julien Hirano

Julien believes in sports as a life school and the mental strength as an important success factor in sports and also in life. He is a sports scientist, personal trainer and mental coach. He runs a company in Basel and supports business people, but also professional athletes from various sports all around the world. Furthermore, he holds workshops and gives lectures for companies, sport clubs and Universities.

Key Kawamura

Key is co-founder of Studio Banana. He's an architect by education and creative entrepreneur by miseducation. Together with his partners, he loves exploring the power of design as a tool for transformation. Key is the partner in charge of Work and Learning environment projects within Studio Banana, and is responsible for projects like the HQ of NTT Switzerland, the multimedia experience at Olympic House, the Nestlé R&D Accelerator or the pioneer EY wavespace in London. One of Studio Banana's most celebrated creations is the Ostrich Pillow.

Martin Oeggerli

Martin Oeggerli is a scientist who uses his microscope to probe the tiniest enclaves of nature, taking his sharp eye for beauty to the nanoscale. Styling himself as a Micronaut—explorer of invisible worlds—Martin creates incredible microscopic photographs using a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and post-processing coloration. Martin has a background in cancer research and received his PhD at the University Basel, in the field of genetics and molecular biology. Over the past 15 years he has worked as a science photographer. His work has been featured in BBC, GEO, Nature, Science, Vogue, and most prominently, National Geographic.

Richard Fakin

PD Dr. med. Richard Fakin is board certified plastic surgeon in Switzerland and Spain, fellow of the European Board of Plastic Surgery (EBOPRAS) and adj. professor (PD) of plastic surgery at the University of Zurich. He practices in Zurich and Madrid. He specialises in aesthetic surgery and gender reaffirming surgery. Dr.Fakin is the author of numerous scientific peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.

Shivangi Walke

Shivangi is a Master Trainer, Leadership Branding Coach and Founder of the vibrant non-profit organization Thrive with Mentoring - a global women’s mentoring network active across 8 countries that has catalyzed thousands of mentoring relationships. She brings over two decades of corporate leadership experience, encompassing the leadership of HR and L&D functions globally. The foundation on which she excelled across all her roles is her ability to lead and influence teams across industry sectors and seniority levels - using her skills to influence and hold crucial conversations.

Tania Barkat

Tania leads the Brain and Sound Lab at the University of Basel. Her academic journey includes an assistant professorship at Copenhagen University, a postdoc at Harvard University and a PhD at EPFL. When she is not plugged in to how neurons respond to sounds, Tania enjoys exploring nature and the Arts with her husband and two daughters.

Thorhildur Halldorsdottir

Dr. Thorhildur Halldorsdottir is an assistant professor at Reykjavik University and a clinical child psychologist. She broadened her research to include behavioral genetics and epidemiology. Building on this multidisciplinary background, her research today focuses on understanding the connection between exposure to stress and trauma and psychiatric disorders. In the past two years, she has in particular examined how the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying social restrictions have impacted the mental health of adolescents.