On Friday 23 January, at Canolfan Arad Goch, Aberystwyth, a first-of-its-kind conference in the Welsh language will be held to discuss the relationship between the sciences and the arts.
‘Chwilen yn y Glust’* is an event that will bring together academics from both fields to discuss how the arts create vivid images and depictions of contemporary science, and how, historically to this day, science is portrayed through literature and visual media through the science fiction genre.
The conference has been funded by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and is organised by Dr Gethin Rhys Thomas, lecturer in the Department of Biosciences, Swansea University; and Dr Miriam Elin Jones, lecturer in the Department of Welsh, Swansea University. Miriam said,
"My literary work in science fiction creates a vivid picture to stimulate readers to think about scientific and technological advances, so it was a natural step to consider possibilities beyond the genre, and to collaborate with Gethin to consider literature's broader relationship with the sciences."
According to Gethin, who specializes in parasites, the conference will be an opportunity to 'bridge the two worlds that are usually kept separate.' Gethin said:
"Although I often discuss science fiction with my fellow scientists over a cuppa, there are few opportunities to formally note its influence on our academic work – which is surprising when considering the influence of fiction on the field of parasitology.
"This conference is a unique opportunity to openly explore those connections; to consider how literary imagination can spark new scientific questions, and to bridge the two worlds that are usually kept apart.”
Some of the conference's academics will include, Dr Aneirin Karadog, Dr Hywel Griffiths, Dr Iwan Morus, Dr Gethin Matthews, and Dr Rhian Meara; and the topics of discussion will range from Poetry about Killing Machines in the Great War, Victorian Year 2000, to sombis!
Following the conference a podcast ‘Chwilen yn y Glust’ will be launched to continue the discussion. Miriam added,
"I’m sure the conference will spark lively, constructive and diverse discussions, and I hope the podcast will inspire others to think more broadly about the connection between science and the arts.
Visit the Coleg's website to register your attendance. The conference is aimed at students and academics in the arts, literature, and science fields, but the event is welcomed by all those interested in the field.
The schedule of the day and the list of talks and discussions can be found on the Coleg’s website.
*Chwilen yn y Glust (beetle in my ear) plays on the familiar Welsh idiom, which metaphorically can mean a deeply ingrained thought or idea.