On this first, packed, Catalyst Club of 2016 cognitive neuropsychologist Dr Ashok Jansari kicked off the evening with a thought provoking address on Why We Are Not All The Same, weaving light humour and informative slides into his mini-lecture on facial recognition.

Investigating the complex cocktail of neurological responses activated by seeing a face, Jansari provided an insight into the fascinating subject of prosopagnosia, or ‘face blindness’, and ended with the intriguing notion of a subgroup of ‘super recognizers’.

Next, Wayne Batho investigated Heckling amidst an atmosphere of gentle ribaldry. Some audio/visuals would have added energy and impetus to the speech but it was nicely pitched nonetheless and the audience provided some good-natured ribbing, with one perfectly timed "b*******!" heckle generating the biggest laugh of the night.

Catalyst regular Dr Alistair Goode finished on the subject of behavioural economics, debunking some of the illusions peddled by advertisers to explain "why we buy so much crap".

Nothing particularly new or groundbreaking but as ever much food for thought to take away and savour subsequently.

Dr Bramwell’s inherent skill as host of the eclectic talking club is indubitable, and his airing of Bowie tracks during the intervals in honour of the great man’s passing topped off a damn fine evening.

Four stars