Marco is currently a full-time research scholar at Harvard University. The aim of the research is to help us to better understand learning and memory. Marco talks about the building and implementation of habits and their benefit to “get a bit better every day“. Marco is an upcoming cognitive neuroscientist from the University of Amsterdam (UvA), health consultant and enthusiastic Crossfitter. The impulse to better understand the human psyche and brain came first through his parents, who are both psychologists, and was later sparked by inspiring authors and researchers, such as Sam Harris. Currently, Marco is a full-time research scholar at Harvard University, working on the Connectome Project in the research team of Prof. Lichtman. The aim of the research is to better understand the patterns of neural connections in the brain of living animals, which ultimately helps us to better understand learning and memory. Marco’s morning routine, which consists of Zen meditation, stretching, breath work and a cold shower, gives him the energy to tackle every day afresh. Moreover, he is all around passionate about living a holistically healthy and balanced life by working out daily, following a mainly plant-based diet and taking care of his sleep. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at
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