Academic Feelings: how do scholars feel about the work that they do?

11 November 2015

Time: 7:00 - 9:00pm
Venue: Skeel Lecture Theatre, People's Palace, Mile End Campus, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS

Event overview

Academic scholarship is frequently depicted as a dry, cerebral and highly rational affair. However, doing research is often an emotional experience, provoking strong feelings, veering from despair and frustration to excitement and pride. This event will ask: how do scholars feel about the work that they do?

We will reflect upon the experience of doing research, and the feelings scholars have when they do it, examining emotions such as excitement, terror, boredom, incredulity, disgust, and elation. The evening will comprise some short presentations by the speakers, a discussion and Q&A with the audience, followed by a drinks reception.

Chair:

Christopher Cook, journalist and broadcaster

Speakers:

• Fulvio D’Acquisto, Professor of Immunopharmacology, William Harvey Institute
• Frances Balkwill, Professor of Cancer, Barts Cancer Institute
• David Berman, Professor of Theoretical Physics, Centre for Research in String Theory
• Kristen Hussey, doctoral candidate, School of Geography
• Tiffany Watt-Smith, Lecturer in Theatre Studies, School of English and Drama
• Magda Osman, Senior Lecturer in Experimental Cognitive Psychology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences