Accessibility statement

You're viewing an archived page from a previous Festival of Ideas. See this year's festival »

Theme: Sci-Fi Meets the Supernatural

Explore the relationship between science fiction and science fact, find out about amulets and charms, and discover supernatural Shakespeare mash-ups.

What's on

Sat
16
Jun

Reading Science Futures: Lock in

What might our bodies be like in the future? What kinds of health crises are looming – and what solutions does medical science promise? What would it feel like if human brains and minds operated independently from bodies: who might we be, and how might we act with others? Join our book group, led by researchers at Newcastle University to discuss John Scalzi’s 2014 novel Lock In and the way it envisions the future of human bodies, medical science, and social interaction.

Fri
15
Jun

The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who

Doctor Who stories are many things: thrilling adventures, historical dramas, tales of love and war and jelly babies. They’re also science fiction - but how much of the science is actually real, and how much is really fiction? Join Simon Guerrier and Marek Kukula, authors of The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who, for a mind-bending blend of story and science that will help you see Doctor Who in a whole new light.

Tue
12
Jun

Sherlock Holmes Investigates the Impossible

Join us for an event introduced by Ben Poore of the University of York and watch a selection of supernatural scenes from Sherlock Holmes stage dramas performed by University of York students, as well as having an opportunity to join in the discussion.

Tue
12
Jun

The Archaeology of Magic: Charms and amulets

Join Adam Parker of the Yorkshire Museum as he explains how archaeology allows us to find magic’s traces. Using objects from the Museum’s collections, Adam highlights some of the weird and wonderful amulets and charms Yorkshire people have used to protect themselves.

Wed
6
Jun

Travels in Time, Fiction and Physics

Is time travel possible? How realistic are science fiction ideas if you analyse them scientifically? Join maths and sociology researchers from the University of York to learn about ideas of time, paradoxes, and wormholes, and discuss how time travel is approached in physics and popular science fiction.

Wed
6
Jun

Romeo and Juliet and Vampires: Supernatural Shakespeare in young adult novels and films

Join Sarah Olive and discuss ways in which vampire Romeo and Juliets might be lending society a helping hand in terms of relationships education. The ubiquitous Twilight saga will feature alongside the lesser known Stacey Jay, John Ajvide Lindqvist and Lori Handeland.

Tue
5
Jun

The Frighteners: Why we love monsters, ghosts, death & gore

Have you ever wondered why so many people love things that are spooky, morbid and downright repellent? Peter Laws, a Baptist minister with a penchant for the macabre, set out on a quest to find out.

Festival themes