6 September 2013

'The Scientific Imagination: Science Fiction and Innovation' - Café Science Extra on 11th September

Is the truth really often stranger than (science) fiction? That's a question set to be asked at the first Café Science Extra event of the new season in Dundee next week.

Anna McFarlane, a PhD student at the University of St Andrews, will explore the relationship between science and science fiction at Dundee Science Centre from 6pm on Wednesday, 11th September.

Many of the fantasies of classic science fiction appear to have become reality, with modern technology able to replicate devices that first appeared in futuristic novels or on the likes of Star Trek or Doctor Who. In response, science fiction has become more literary, artistic, and fantastic.

Using examples of recent scientific advances such as the 'sonic screwdriver' and the 'tractor beam', developed at the Universities of Dundee and St Andrews respectively, Anna will discuss how science fiction can work together with science to promote innovation and give greater understanding of scientific progress.

Anna, whose research explores the themes of technology, totalitarianism, and personal and social identity within science fiction, said, 'The relationship between science and science fiction is more important than ever as the 20th Century has become the 21st and we have seen the development of technology first brought to our consciousness by writers and directors decades ago.

'Has science fiction influenced science, and vice versa? If so, does this continue to be the case and what does this mean for both science and literature? I will also be asking whether, by communicating in very different ways, science fiction can give us the vision to imagine scientific progress, the words to explain it, and the analogies to understand it.'

Café Science was launched in January 2008, and has attracted over 4000 visitors since then. The monthly events are informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science happening locally.

Café Science Extra allows members of the public to meet with up-and-coming scientists from the Universities of Dundee, St Andrews and Abertay, the James Hutton Institute, and Dundee Science Centre.

'The Scientific Imagination: Science Fiction and Innovation' takes place at Infusion coffee shop, Dundee Science Centre, at 6pm on Wednesday, 11th September. Doors open at 5.30pm, and the event is free and open to all. There is no need to book in advance but an early arrival is recommended.

Live tweets from the event will be sent from the @revealsresearch Twitter account, and people can take part in the online discussion using the hashtag #CafeSciDundee.

More information is available at www.cafesciencedundee.co.uk

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277