BU Research Blog

I am delighted to announce that Professor Sue Thomas will be our next  Cafe Scientifique speaker with the intriguingly titled talk on:  “How nature calms your wired life”.  Sue will explore: why do we adorn our screens with pictures of forests, waterfalls, animals and beaches? Why are there so many nature metaphors in the language of the internet? She will then argue that the answer lies in biophilia, the innate human attraction to life and life-like processes. Sue Thomas believes that nature can soothe our connected minds and offer unexpected benefits – an improved attention span, a rested mind, and enhanced creativity. So there’s no need to choose between technology and well-being – we can have both! This talk is about the best way to make our digital lives integrated, healthy, and mindful.

Writing on own her blog, Sue reflects: I’m very pleased to be invited to speak at the first anniversary of the Bournemouth Cafe Scientifique. The event will also be part of the Arts-by-the-Sea Festival. It will be the third time I’ve talked at a Cafe Scientifique – I’ve also spoken in Nottingham and Leicester years ago – and I love the concept. If you’ve never been, check out their website – there may be one near you.

The event will take place on Tuesday 1st October at Cafe Boscanova. Doors open at 6.30pm with the talk starting at 7.30pm. As ever, we recommend getting there early to get a seat! There will be a full range of hot and cold drinks for sale, and a ‘special science menu’ – which normally consists of a meat or veggie choice of a delicious Boscanova favourite.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Cafe Scientifique Bournemouth team. We look forward to welcoming you!