The Gothic Scientist: Science or Fiction?

***Doors open 6:30pm for a 7pm start***

Gothic literature and science fiction have often been influenced by scientific research and discoveries, none more notably than Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The popularity of psychiatry and emergence of neurology as a scientific discipline had a profound impact on the Victorian imagination. Traces thereof can be seen in novels such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde”, H.G. Wells’ “The Island of Doctor Moreau” and even Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”, as his brother, Sir William Thornley Stoker, was a renowned neurologist. But how far-fetched were those stories? And how far has science gotten since the Victorian times?

In this talk, neuroscientist Jenny Lange will discuss the origins of neurology, its representation in gothic literature and science fiction, and how neuroscience has advanced since. We will touch upon what gothic writers imagined scientists would achieve and examine some of the most exciting accomplishments in neuroscience. Can we grow a brain in a dish? Does the 'Mad Scientist' exist in real life? And have we learned from the ethical issues discussed in Frankenstein and other novels? Join Dr Lange for an exciting insight into the science of gothic horror and gain an understanding of neuroscience research.

Dr Lange obtained her PhD in Neuron-Glia interactions in Health and Disease at KCL, and is now a postdoctoral research fellow at the UCL UK Dementia Research Insititute, where she is currently working on how microglia function is altered in Alzheimer's Disease.

The doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. Wine and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as nibbles, are included in the ticket price. There's plenty of time to browse the collection before and after Jenny's talk.

Refund Policy: Refunds are possible up to 7 days before the event, for various reasons, including early submission of the list of registered guests to satisfy HTA Regulatory criteria. Eventbrite will issue the refund automatically, but they will subtract their non-refundable ticketing fee. There is an icon on your booking email for you to request a refund.