Issue date: 7 May 2004

Science and arts conference

The Wellcome Trust, one of the world's leading biomedical research charities, is to host a conference, reflecting on their drive to engage young people with science through performing arts.

A two-day conference at Manchester University's School of Music and Drama will be held for artists, teachers, scientists and other practitioners who share the same goal of inspiring young people to engage creatively with science and the arts. It follows an active 12 months for the performing arts programme Pulse, funded by the Wellcome Trust.

The conference will feature a mix of performances, presentations, debates and workshops, from projects which have been run over the past year.

Simon Parry, Pulse project manager at the Wellcome Trust said:
"It became clear that there was the demand for a forum to discuss and share ideas and feedback as Pulse looks to prepare for the next round of projects."

Over the past year, 27 projects under this scheme have been operating throughout the country with thousands of young people participating and exploring the big moral and ethical scientific issues facing society today. The programme has been a huge success and works with schools, youth theatres, professional theatres and dance companies bringing often complex issues into a forum that is accessible, engaging and thought provoking.

Simon Parry added:
"The conference marks the culmination of a fantastic 12 months for Pulse. It'll provide the opportunity for us to showcase some of the outstanding projects that have been running throughout the country and will hopefully inspire others to get involved in this type of creative exploration of science."

Lucy Frazer, who has been working with Pulse at Hampshire Dance, said: "Pulse has shown Hampshire Dance how science and the arts can work together. The project we ran was a true collaboration and has opened new doors for us. I'm determined to continue the work we've started."

The Pulse conference is taking place on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 June, anyone interested in attending should contact Claire Griffiths on 020 7611 8777 or c.griffiths@wellcome.ac.uk.

Media contact
Mark Anderson
Wellcome Trust Media Office
Tel: 020 7611 8612
E-mail: m.anderson@wellcome.ac.uk

Note to editors

1. The Wellcome Trust is an independent research funding charity established in 1936 under the will of the tropical medicine pioneer Sir Henry Wellcome. The Trust's mission is to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health and it currently spends over £400 million per annum.