The doors have been flung open and, against the backcloth of the historic architecture of the British Academy, a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square, schools and families have been exploring a range of different questions that impact on our lives in the Academy’s summer showcase ‘Curious?, with more talks across the road in the welcome shade of a marquee in the gardens.
The theme is changing lives, whether it be Professor Vanese Castan Broto from the University of Sheffield exploring the obstacles and opportunities for energy supplies in Mozanbique, Dr Yafa Shanneik from the University of Birmingham asking how artists’ books can transform how scientists think about heath, well-being and illness – a very topical subject in universities, Dr Ahmad Beltagui from Aston Business School exploring imaginative uses of 3D printing, Dr Thea Pitman from the University of Leeds questioning what 21st century indigenous electronic art will look like, with examples from Brazil, Dr Clare Pettinger from the University of Plymouth using personal stories about food from disadvantaged groups to enable them to take greater control over what they eat, and also potentially their lives, and Dr Yafa Shenneik from the University of Birmingham exploring how art, performance and music has helped refugee women open up to tell their stories. In this ever stressful era, Dr Luke Dickens from King’s College London asks whether Londoners had more fun in the past, while Dr Clare Mac Cumhaill of Durham University and Dr Rachael Wiseman from the University of Liverpool ask the very deep question ‘What is Philosophy for?’
Just a few of the 15 different questions for curious and enquiring minds to explore.