1 November 2011
4.00pm to 6.00pm

Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA

FREE EVENT: Vampires aren't just for Halloween!

What does stem cell research have to do with Twilight? Join experts from the ESRC Genomics Network and Edinburgh Napier University to discuss how synthetic blood and meat are affecting our lives – and those of film and television vampires. What should we eat when flesh and blood can be grown in the lab?

Vampires on the True Blood television series are already enjoying the advantages of synthetic blood. For humans, the benefits of blood manufactured from embryonic stem cells may be less than a decade away. Whether society can develop an acceptance of cultured blood – or an appetite for related technology synthetic meat – is far from clear. 

Clips from the hugely popular True Blood TV show as well as the Twilight book and film series will provide a starting point for debate on recent biotechnological developments, notably stem cell research, at a public event organised as part of the ESRC’s Festival of Social Science 2011. Discussion ranging from Twilight’s ‘vegetarian vampires’ to the possibilities of synthetic in vitro meat will draw a wide audience to this event.

All Welcome! Particularly encouraged to attend are: Fans of vampire fiction and film, students of all ages, and scientists interested in the social and cultural impact of these technologies.

Experts (not vampires) will be on hand to present the latest findings on in vitro blood and meat and stem cell research, as well as debate their potential impact on society.

Speaker(s):

Emma King, PhD Candidate, Innogen, University of Edinburgh

Dr Neil Stephens, Research Fellow, Cesagen, Cardiff University

Dr Sarah Artt, Lecturer in English and Film, Edinburgh Napier University

Organised by:

ESRC Genomics Policy and Research Forum, University of Edinburgh

Enquiries:
forum@genomicsnetwork.ac.uk
Telephone: 0131 651 4747