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Cell Culture: Examining how science and literature interact (Symposium, Edinburgh, 3 November 2012)

posted on February 4, 2025

Research Summary: Cell Culture Symposium

Event Type: Academic symposium examining intersection of literature and life sciences
Key Topics: Accuracy of literary portrayals of life sciences, “lab-lit” genre development, shared methodologies between writers and scientists
Date & Location: 3 November 2012, 14:00–15:45, Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh
Featured Participants: Dr Jennifer Rohn (cell biologist, Lablit.com editor), Ken MacLeod (science fiction author), Pippa Goldschmidt (writer, former Genomics Forum resident), chaired by Professor Stuart Monro
Organizers: ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum in conjunction with Scottish Storytelling Centre
Cost: £5 per ticket (£2.50 for multiple purchases of two or more)
Format: Author readings followed by facilitated public discussion on science-fiction convergence

How accurately does modern literature portray the life sciences? In what way is the use of science within fiction evolving to create new genres such as “lab-lit”? Is there more in common, than is often imagined, between the way in which both writers and scientists work?

These are some of the fascinating topics that are up for discussion in an afternoon of fact and fiction examining how fiction portrays life sciences and genetics. The event is being produced by the ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum, in conjunction with the Scottish Storytelling Centre, on Saturday 3 November 2012.
Cell Culture will feature participants including: Dr Jennifer Rohn, cell biologist, editor of Lablit.com and author of Experimental Heart and The Honest Look; Ken MacLeod, celebrated science fiction author; and Pippa Goldschmidt, short story writer and former writer-in-residence at the Genomics Forum. The authors will read from their work before engaging in a public discussion which will be chaired Professor Stuart Monro, Scientific Director of Dynamic Earth.

Saturday 3 November 14:00 – 15:45

Cell Culture

Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh

*Tickets are £5. (£2.50 if buying multiples of two).

Please book online or by calling the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s box office on 0131 556 9579*

 

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Filed Under: Conferences

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