Planet and People: Time to Join the Dots (Micro-Conference)

Join us for an inspiring afternoon exploring the connections between biodiversity, health, community, science, art, planet-care, and other minds. This unique micro-conference brings together scientists, artists, environmentalists, and community leaders to share ideas, research, and creative projects that connect people and the planet.

Special Guest Speaker:

We’re delighted to welcome Professor Lars Chittka-world-leading expert in sensory and behavioural ecology, founder of the Research Centre for Psychology at Queen Mary University of London, and renowned for his groundbreaking research on bee intelligence, colour vision, and cognition. Author of the acclaimed book, ‘The Mind of a Bee’. Professor Chittka’s work has revealed how bees perceive the world, solve problems, and even display forms of memory and learning once thought impossible in insects.Expect thought-provoking presentations, innovative perspectives, and opportunities to connect with others passionate about a sustainable future.

Here’s the details for the additional speakers

🎤 Featured Speakers & Contributions, and more to come...

🔸Michael Jeffries – Ponds for Biodiversity and Climate: exploring the critical role of ponds in supporting ecosystems and mitigating climate change.

🔸David de la Haye – Water Sonics: an artist’s perspective on soundscapes of water and their link to ecology and wellbeing.

🔸John Wilson (Pesticide Free Newcastle) & Rachel Locke (Save Newcastle Wildlife) – Glyphosate and Newcastle’s Toxicity Regulation: raising awareness of pesticide use and championing healthier urban environments.

🔸Manujya Gosh – Reframing Climate Responsibility: From Epic Fiction to Everyday Realities.

🔸Micah Thomas – The Acceptance of Science: exploring public trust, communication, and how we bring science closer to communities.

Expect thought-provoking presentations, innovative perspectives, and opportunities to connect with others passionate about a sustainable future.

Organised by: Planet Action Street Arts CIO

Supported by: The Natural History Society of Northumbria

Funded by: Community Foundation

To access the conference venue:

The David Shaw lecture theatre is located on the 1st floor of The Faculty of Medicine.

Nearest car park is Claremont Road car park. It is recommended that you come on foot or bicycle to reduce carbon or taxi to avoid parking issues.

To get there, turn into Claremont Road from the Haymarket, pass between the University Theatre and the Hancock Museum. Go straight ahead at the first roundabout (the main entrance to Exhibition Park is on left).

Continue to the second roundabout. Here, turn left along Claremont Place. Take first right along Lover's Lane (about 100yds on your left, there is a sign which says Gate 1, here you will find the Reception to the Medical Faculty. Enter, take lift or stairs (on right) to first floor for the David Shaw Lecture Theatre and lobby.

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