Skeptics on the Fringe: Have Two become One? Exploring the interplay between Sci

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In 1959 distinguished scientist and novelist, C.P. Snow proposed that the practice of defining intellectual activity as either science or arts was impeding our ability to solve the world’s problems by creating two cultures.

55 years on we will explore what the ‘Two Cultures’ have to contribute to each other and if they have learnt to collaborate, communicate and combine to become a third culture, or if the void is as wide as ever.

Dr Mhairi Stewart started her scientific career as a molecular parasitologist fascinated at the intricate weapons and defences such small creatures can use against us. She came to realise however that her real passion lay in communicating research in innovative and creative ways.

To these ends Mhairi has written and played Mary Somerville in a spoken word piece, ‘Lady Scientists; Stitch and Bitch (https://auntyemily.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/lady-scientist-stitch-and-bitch/)’, worked with crafting communities to create a cuddly parasitic infestation in ‘Crafty Critters’ and has created many comics and narrative non-fiction pieces using science as her inspiration.

These projects have led to Mhairi being awarded the 2015 RSE prize for innovation in public engagement for using creativity as a tool for engagement, particularly in creating art and science collaborative activities.

She lives near St Andrews with her artist husband Gary Erskine and two cats named after literary characters, Meg and Mog.

@scienceartreach (http://www.twitter.com/scienceartreach)

Our website for the entire run is:

http://www.edinburghskeptics.co.uk/fringe

*** RSVPing does NOT GUARANTEE you a seat for these events ***

This is because they are part of PBH's Free Fringe and are Free and un-ticketed. Come early, seating is limited and we have to turn people away most nights.

Details are here on Meetup and on our main website. If there are any changes to our published speakers, we will try to send an email to anyone whose said they're be attending, but please check online for changes.

All events start at 7.50 pm prompt and last for 1 hour (with discussions in the bar afterwards). We will try to include a couple of questions in the hour long talk but this may not be possible.

Please note that these restrictions, the timeslot, and the venue are out-with our realistic control, and we apologise for any inconvenience.

The queue for our talks runs from the front door of the Banshee up Niddry Street towards the High Street. Come early to avoid disappointment, we have to turn people away most nights. Committee members will have a "COMMITTEE" lanyard and other people involved in putting the talk on will have a "VOLUNTEER" lanyard.

We ask for donations at the end of each talk to cover our speakers' expenses and our publicity and other costs throughout the Fringe and the rest of the year. Edinburgh Skeptics is funded entirely by the generosity of the people who come to the talks and is only made possible by the speakers and volunteers who freely give up their time.

Our "Respect People, Challenge Ideas" manifesto will apply to all events and can be read here:

http://www.edinburghskeptics.co.uk/about/respect (http://www.edinburghskeptics.co.uk/about/respect/)