Skip to content

Overview

An opportunity for Fellows of the Royal Society to meet and socialise whilst discovering and sharing science.

Research weekends at Chicheley Hall are part of the Fellows' social programme. These relaxed weekends allow you and your guests to socialise and take part in informal discussions and talks on a range of scientific topics.

Join hosts Professor Carlos Frenk CBE FRS and Professor Cathie Martin MBE FRS for the next Fellows' Research Weekend, which will take place on 2-3 November 2019 Each day features a series of relaxed talks, lively discussion and opportunities to enjoy the surroundings of Chicheley Hall.

Please see below for the current programme, including our confirmed speakers: Professor Alison Smith OBE FRS, Professor Chris Frith FBA FMedSci FRS, Dame Ottoline Leyser DBE FRS, Professor John Pickett CBE FRS, Professor Saiful Islam and Professor Uta Frith DBE FBA FMedSci. There will also be a conversation with Professor Brian Cox OBE FRS, led by Dr Andrew Pontzen. If you would like any more information please contact the Scientific Programmes team.

Schedule

13:30-13:45
Welcome by hosts
13:45-14:35
Communicating science: two cultures revisited

Abstract

According to popular conception, science is the domain of boffins, who are simultaneously super-human because they are extremely clever, and sub-human because they are entirely rational using only pure logic to make progress. We, as scientists, quite often reinforce these notions. We like to think we are extremely clever and that what we do is too difficult for others; and we like to think that we are on an inexorable march to truth, which helps us to cope with the uncertainty and insecurity inherent in the process of discovery. At the same time, for the rest of society, that science is too difficult to understand provides an excuse for not engaging, and that it is driven by robotic logic makes it either a silver bullet or a dangerous subversion of nature. Either way, it’s somebody else’s responsibility. This makes the mythological view of science as the province of boffins pervasive, hard to shift and extremely damaging. It limits access to science at a time when its multi-faceted role as a force for social good is badly needed. Communicating science effectively requires taking into account, and working to dispel this pervasive unhelpful framing.

Speakers

14:35-15:25
Atomic-Scale insights into energy materials (batteries included)

Abstract

The supply of clean sustainable energy is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Major breakthroughs in energy technologies require advances in new materials and underpinning science. Indeed, a greater fundamental understanding of materials for batteries and solar cells requires characterization of their structural and transport behaviour. With the aid of 3D glasses, this talk highlights the use of advanced modelling methods in synergy with experimental work to gain atomic-scale insights into novel materials for lithium-ion batteries [1] and perovskite solar cells [2]. Parts of his academic career will also be discussed including how he ended up giving the 2016 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures on BBC TV.

(1) Y Li et al, Nature Mater., 17, 915 (2018)
(2) N Aristidou et al, Nature Commun, 8, 15218 (2017).

 

Speakers

15:25-16:00
Tea break
16:00-17:00
Using comics to communicate science: are you serious?

Abstract

Traditionally, written prose is beautifully suited to convey what you want to say, with pictures only a means to attract your attention. But there is a hybrid form, the comic strip. It’s not just a combination of text and pictures, it’s a form that demands the reader understand both. It is possible to alternate pictures and text, but the hybrid idea is a great challenge. Whereas it is often tempting to hide a vague idea behind competent prose, comics only work if the idea is clear and easy to understand. 

However, comic strips tend to be very short, illustrating just one idea, often designed to grab your attention and make you smile. This is not good enough for science communication. The ideas we wish to convey need to be put into context. They need to be seen as part of a much wider story. This is why we favoured the form of a graphic novel for our current attempt to summarise what we know about Social Cognition. Here we tried to reduce complex ideas into manageable packages of information, spark readers’ curiosity, guide them to connect critical aspects of the information and even have some fun. 

Speakers

17:00-18:00
In conversation with Brian Cox

Abstract

Dr Andrew Pontzen will lead a conversation with Professor Brian Cox OBE FRS

Speakers