Defining Futures, a programme from UCD Science Expression, is set to run from the 10th to 15th November across Dublin. It will feature film screenings, performances and panel discussions from a range of individuals with backgrounds in science, research, art, film, and media to discuss what the future may bring for humanity.
Alex Boyd, Project Manager for Public Engagement & Outreach for UCD Research, Innovation & Impact, stated that the event is Ireland’s only dedicated science film festival, and described it as “a dynamic public engagement programme invigorating conversation around science, technology, research and innovation through film and new media.”
As part of the festival, there will be panel discussions followed by screenings on particular topics for the future. On 10th November in Wood Quay Venue, UCD‘s Dr Gerard Mills, Head of the UCD School of Geography, will participate in a panel discussion on creating sustainable cities after a screening of The Human Scale. The film Switch will explore where future energy to power society will come from with special guest speaker, BBC broadcaster Prof Iain Stewart who is professor of Geoscience Communication at Plymouth University. On the 11th November in the Irish Film Institute (IFI). The future of love in an age of technology will be explored by a panel on the 13th November in Filmbase.
The Lexicon in Dun Laoghaire will play host to director Daniel Dencik’s film, Expedition to the end of the World, which follows the attempts of scientists and artists to sail to Greenland in a three mast schooner, on the 14th November. The Irish premiere of Experimenter, starring Winona Ryder and Peter Sarsgaard, will be held in the IFI on the 15th November. The film is a biopic of Stanley Milgram, the scientist who devised the now famous Milgram experiment, in which he led members of the public to believe that they were delivering electric shocks to a stranger.
Boyd said that the aim of UCD Science Expression is to present events for people “interested in learning more about science, have a soft spot for scientists and relish the innovative thinking of researchers”, and that it is “an accessible way of interacting with new thinking and discoveries using film and performance as the starting point for discussion.”
UCD Science Expression is looking for students who would be interested in volunteering at the festival. Boyd said that those who volunteer “get to attend the screenings, meet the speakers and generally join a great series of events.” Those interested in participating can sign up at http://www.ucdscienceexpression.ie/take-part/. The full list of events is currently being finalised, and is available at www.ucdscienceexpression.ie.
- Author: Cian Carton, News Editor
