Research and the Public Good: Ethics, Priorities and Conflicts of Opinion
Scientific research is aimed at generating knowledge of the natural world and of ourselves, and also at developing that knowledge into useful applications, including driving innovation for sustainable productive economic growth, for better public services, health, prosperity and quality of life, and for protecting the environment. Therefore, scientific research is very useful, but it is […]
Marcus Sedgwick and Dr Sam George – The Battle of the Books: Frankenstein v. Dracula
To celebrate the publication of The Monsters We Deserve, a reappraisal of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, prizewinning author Marcus Sedgwick and gothic expert Dr Sam George go head to head in the battle of the books, Frankenstein v. Dracula. The creature of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, one of the most influential tales of horror of all time, […]
1968 and After: Culture and Education
1968 was a year of political upheaval and rebellion but those times were also important in culture and education – and not just in rock music. The worlds of theatre, poetry, journalism, film and TV produced radical new work while on campuses and in schools, thousands of students and teachers called for fundamental changes in the […]
Hearing the Light: Skipping Pylons and the Strange Sound of Silent Motion
Can you hear through your eyes? When the viral ‘jumping pylon’ gif hit the internet recently, many people discovered they could ‘hear’ juddering or thudding sensations evoked by moving images. Neuroscientist Elliot Freeman has had a head start researching this ‘visual-ear’ phenomenon, having experienced it most of his life. He will present his latest findings from […]
Thinking on Sunday: The Ethical Stripper
How can a feminist also be a stripper? Is stripping sex work? What makes sex work “ethical”? Forget everything you’ve heard about strippers: this talk is an antidote to stigma, shame and stereotyping. Stacey Clare has been part of the much maligned, misunderstood and misrepresented world of UK strip clubs since the age of 22. She opens-up […]
Open Mic
This is a new idea which we’re hoping will be popular. We’ve had a number of requests from members for an opportunity to come forward and give a talk or present their ideas to the group on their chosen subject. Each speaker will be given 15 minutes, 10 for their talk and 5 for Q&A. […]
Thinking on Sunday: Secrets and Lies – The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories
Millions of people disbelieve official explanations for significant political and social events in favour of alternative accounts that are often called ‘conspiracy theories’. For example, well known conspiracy theories suppose that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job, that climate change is a hoax, and that Princess Diana was murdered by the British government. Conspiracy […]
Sunday Assembly: When Life Gives You Lemons
Life can be hard. The question is: how can we deal with it? Our guest speaker on the 15th July knows all about this, she is comedian Beth Vyse. Beth will be bringing an honest and humorous account of her experiences in being diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 and how her ability to laugh […]
The Hive Café
The Hive Café Please note there will be reduced opening hours throughout August. We’re open: August 18 • 9am – 4pm August 22, 23 and 24 • 10am – 4pm Our new, ground floor cafe, now officially open to everyone with an appetising variety of food, drinks, hexagonal biscuits and honey… plus a live feed from our rooftop beehive! For more information CLICK HERE