Science, Imagination and the Big Questions

Is science imaginative? Or just about measurement and recording fact?

Our series of themed events, supported by the John Templeton Foundation, explores the long but hidden story of the vital role that imagination plays in science, through pictures, poetry and metaphor.

Join us for mind-stretching ideas in the real science of aliens; enjoy science-inspired poetry; discover what can go wrong when we talk about science in the language of warfare; and explore what it means to be human.

Our expert speakers include Harvard’s top astronomer Avi Loeb; violinist and composer Anna Phoebe; poet and priest Malcolm Guite; physicist, interdisciplinary leader and writer Tom McLeish; poet Katrina Porteous; science communicator Franziska Kohlt; and the host of the On Being radio show and podcast, Krista Tippett.

The ’Science, Imagination and the Big Questions’ focus is part supported by the Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science (ECLAS) project, which works across all church denominations in the UK to resource church leaders, their congregations, and seminaries, to engage with science and scientists fruitfully and in mutual support. ECLAS is funded by the Templeton Religion Trust.

Image credit: ECLAS project

Work at the University of York is focused around seven research themes which align our academic strengths to best meet the grand scientific, social and environmental challenges of our time. Learn more about the Creativity and Culture and Communication research themes.

Extraterrestrial: Intelligent life beyond Earth - Fri 11 June, 8pm to 9.15pm

Join Harvard’s top astronomer Avi Loeb as he lays out his controversial theory that our solar system was recently visited by advanced alien technology from a distant star.

Science, Imagination and Poetry - Mon 14 June, 1pm to 2.15pm

An expert panel of theologians, scientists, and science-inspired musicians and poets discuss their work, its interaction, and how science, poetry and imagination can combine to enrich each community’s ideas.

Narratives of Conflict and Warfare - Tues 15 June, 1pm to 2.15pm

What were the Science Wars? Does combat rhetoric around Covid and climate change unite or polarise? Our speakers explore the effects of warfare narrative in science, and introduce more productive metaphors in science communication.

This Species Moment - Fri 18 June, 8pm to 9pm

What does it mean to be human? How do we want to live? And who will we be to each other in this century of such extraordinary promise and peril? Join the host of the renowned On Being radio show and podcast, Krista Tippett.