As part of its UK/UAE 2017 initiative, the British Council is supporting the Science Strand at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written word. Taking place from 3-11 March, the Festival aims to inspire those who do not read for pleasure and to engage authors from around the globe to make this possible every year.
This year, the Science Strand sees eminent British authors Emily Grossman, Lucy Hawking, Jo Marchant and Ben Miller preside over family and comedic sessions, looking at science through the perspective of innovation, technology and medicine.
UK/UAE 2017 is a year-long festival of cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, which celebrates the long-standing relationship between the two countries and looks to strengthen existing cultural and economic ties. The programme is supported by the UK Government’s GREAT Britain campaign. It will be taking place throughout 2017 and will include such events as musical performances, craft showcases, exhibitions, masterclasses, talks and educational workshops.
Hannah Henderson, Head of UK/UAE 2017 said: “We are excited to feature such distinguished and diverse British Scientific voices at official UK/UAE 2017 events as part of the Science Strand at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. With this rich selection of talks as part of the community engagement programme, we look to engage audiences of all ages, and particularly to inspire the younger generation by providing them access to leading scientific minds.”
The six sessions forming UK/UAE 2017’s Science Strand at Emirates Airline Festival of Literature are:
George and the Blue Moon
Author: Lucy Hawking
Lucy Hawking is the creator of the highly acclaimed George Greenby series, in which George and his friend Annie go on adventures through space and time with the help of the supercomputer Cosmos – and with real scientific information provided by Lucy’s famous father, Professor Stephen Hawking.
Come along to this family session to find out how Lucy fits so much adventure and information into her lively books and learn more about the new instalment, George and the Blue Moon.
When/Where: Friday 3 March, 1:30pm – 2:30pm, Al Baraha 3, InterContinental
Language: English, with simultaneous Arabic translation
Age Group: 9-Adult
Price: 50 AED
Why Science Needs People Who Cry
Author: Emily Grossman
“There is an outdated stereotype that scientists are cold, hard, logical and unemotional – and male. And it’s not only wrong but immensely damaging.” – Emily Grossman
Emily Grossman is an expert in molecular biology and genetics, and an outspoken science communicator who has been praised for both the clarity of her explanations of complex subjects and her efforts to encourage more girls to study science.
In 2015, she was attacked on social media for challenging the idea that scientists must be unemotional. Her TEDx talk response was met with widespread acclaim; in this session she expands on the critical subject of why we need more women in science and a better understanding of how important compassion, collaboration and creativity are to scientific research.
When/Where: Friday 3 March, 7:30pm – 8:30pm, Al Ras 3, Intercontinental
Language: English, with simultaneous Arabic translation
Price: 75 AED
Dr. Emily’s Surprising Science
Author: Emily Grossman
“Any type of person can be a scientist as long as you are excited by Science and want to gain a deep understanding of the world.” – Emily Grossman
Are you or your children fascinated by the weird and wonderful world of science? This lively family-friendly talk and demonstration by Emily Grossman will be bubbling over with explosive fun!
Emily has trained and worked as both scientist and actress, skills she has combined to make complex subjects engaging and help bewildered parents answer those tricky ‘why does..?’ questions. From her resident science expert slots on the Alan Titchmarsh Show and Sky’s Duck Quacks Don't Echo to her powerful TEDx talk, Emily is on a mission to deepen people’s understanding of the world around them – don’t miss this chance to see her in action.
When/Where: 4 March, 3pm – 4pm, Al Ras 3, Intercontinental
Language: English, with simultaneous Arabic translation
Age Group: 8-Adult
Price: 50 AED
Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind over Body
Author: Jo Marchant
“It isn’t trickery, wishful thinking or all in the mind. It is a physical mechanism, as concrete as the effects of any drug.” – Jo Marchant on the placebo effect
Can our minds really heal our bodies? This is the controversial question Jo Marchant set out to answer in her book Cure, looking for the real science behind hypnosis, meditation, positive visualisation, virtual reality therapy and all manner of other techniques.
The relationship between body and mind is an ongoing mystery, and one that scientists are exploring every day – in this talk Marchant takes us on a journey through the latest findings.
When/Where: 10 March, 10am-11am, Al Ras 3, InterContinental
Language: English, with simultaneous Arabic translation
Price: 75 AED
Wonders of Science: The Journey of Discovery
Authors: Ben Miller, Jo Marchant
An inspiring all-ages introduction to the wonders of science from two of the most accessible science communicators writing today. From real-life alien hunters to Egyptian mummies to a 2000-year old computer, our panellists will turn the microscope on an extraordinary world.
Jo Marchant has written for Nature and New Scientist and has a PhD in genetics and microbiology; she is the author of Decoding the Heavens, The Shadow King and Cure.
Ben Miller tried to swap science for comedy, but science followed him – his love of physics led him to write It’s Not Rocket Science, which is now a TV series; his latest book is The Aliens are Coming!
When/Where: 10 March, 3pm-4pm, Al Ras 3, InterContinental
Language: English, with simultaneous Arabic translation
Age Group: All ages
Price: 75 AED
The Aliens Are Coming!
Author: Ben Miller
“A witty and informative romp through our search for little green men that says as much about human ingenuity as it does about the aliens we seek.” – Dara Ó Briain
Have you ever wondered whether there might be life on other planets? Scientifically literate comedian Ben Miller, author of It’s Not Rocket Science, returns to Dubai with a revelatory and wide-ranging talk based on his new book, The Aliens are Coming! Miller will present a highly entertaining introduction to the science of the search for alien life, from the Fermi Paradox to the modern-day folklore of UFOlogy.
When/Where: 11 March, 4.30pm-5.30pm, Al Baraha 1, InterContinental
Language: English, with simultaneous Arabic translation
Price: 75 AED
For more information on the sessions or to purchase tickets, please visit the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature website at www.emirateslitfest.com.
With a rich programme spanning the arts, literature, education, society, sport, science and trade, UK/UAE 2017 will explore the themes of community, inclusion and the next generation, in line with UAE Vision 2021. Throughout the year, the British Council will work with a wide range of British and Emirati partners, strengthening existing relationships and creating new collaborations. Top UK institutions and creative practitioners will partner with their UAE counterparts, showcasing British and Emirati talent to engage and inspire audiences across the UAE.
UK/UAE 2017 is organised by the British Council under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.
For more information about UK/UAE 2017 and the spring programme, please visit: www.britishcouncil.ae/en/uk-uae-2017. To join the conversation follow the UK/UAE 2017 on the British Council’s Facebook (@BritishCouncilUAE), twitter (@uaeBritish) and Instagram (@britishcounciluae) pages and use the dedicated hashtag #UKUAE2017.
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Notes to Editors
About the authors
About Lucy Hawking
Lucy Hawking is an author and the original creator of the George Greenby books, a series of adventure stories which aim to explain complex science to a young audience through dramatic storytelling. Hawking works with a range of distinguished scientists on the series, including her very well-known father, Stephen Hawking.
Currently, the George Greenby series is in development with Canadian animation studio Nerd Corps Entertainment to become an animated television series.
Recently, Hawking was made a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in recognition of the work she has done in explaining science to a young audience.
About Emily Grossman
Dr Emily Grossman is a science broadcaster and educator. She is an expert in molecular biology and genetics with a Double First in Natural Sciences from Queens’ College Cambridge and a PhD in cancer research. She also trained and worked as an actress, and now combines her skills as a science broadcaster, writer and educator.
Grossman specialises in using creative analogies to help visualise and explain complex scientific concepts. She loves explaining science in a way that brings simplicity, clarity and understanding to others. Grossman is also a passionate advocate for gender equality and diversity in science. Her book Find Out! Science is aimed at children.
About Jo Marchant
Dr Jo Marchant is an award-winning science journalist based in London. She has worked as an editor at New Scientist and Nature and her articles have appeared in numerous publications.
She has lectured around the world. Her book Decoding the Heavens was shortlisted for the 2009 Royal Society Prize for Science Books. Her second book, The Shadow King: The Bizarre Afterlife of King Tut’s Mummy, was published in 2013.
Her latest book, Cure: A Journey Into The Science Of Mind Over Body, looks at how subjective thoughts, emotions and beliefs can have health benefits. The book has been described by Kirkus Reviews as ‘A balanced, informative review of a controversial subject’.
About Ben Miller
Ben Miller studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge and was halfway through a PhD in solid state physics when he chanced upon the Footlights and got the bug for sketch comedy. In 1992, he joined forces with Alexander Armstrong, and the duo spent four years touring pubs and clubs before landing their first TV series with Channel Four, Armstrong and Miller, in 1997.
Alongside his enormous success as a comedian and actor, Miller has maintained a passionate interest in science. He writes science columns regularly and has presented science shows. His first book, It’s Not Rocket Science, was published in 2012 and The Aliens Are Coming! was published in 2016.
About UK/UAE 2017
UK/UAE 2017 is a year of creative collaboration and cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, organised by the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for education and culture, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and HRH The Prince of Wales. The purpose of UK/UAE 2017 is to celebrate the long-standing relationship between the UK and the UAE, giving it greater focus, depth and contemporary relevance. Throughout 2017, the British Council will collaborate with a wide range of British and Emirati partners to create a diverse programme that spans the arts, literature, education, society, sport, science and trade. Through exploring the ways in which our respective cultural heritage and contemporary creative expression inspires innovation in all sectors and all areas of society, UK/UAE 2017 will strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two nations and identify major opportunities for future collaboration on both sides.
For more information about UK/UAE 2017 and the spring programme, please visit: www.britishcouncil.ae/en/uk-uae-2017. To join the conversation follow the UK/UAE 2017 on the British Council’s Facebook (@BritishCouncilUAE), twitter (@uaeBritish) and Instagram (@britishcounciluae) pages and use the dedicated hashtag #UKUAE2017.
For further information and enquiries, please contact Hannah Henderson at Hannah.Henderson@britishcouncil.org
About the British Council
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We create friendly knowledge and understanding between the people of the UK and other countries. Using the UK’s cultural resources we make a positive contribution to the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust.
We work with over 100 countries across the world in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Each year we reach over 20 million people face-to-face and more than 500 million people online, via broadcasts and publications.
Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. The majority of our income is raised delivering a range of projects and contracts in English teaching and examinations, education and development contracts and from partnerships with public and private organisations. Eighteen per cent of our funding is received from the UK government.
GREAT Britain
The GREAT Britain campaign is the UK government’s most ambitious international promotional campaign ever and showcases the very best of what the country has to offer to encourage the world to visit, study and do business with the UK. GREAT is active across 144 countries worldwide and unites the British Government’s promotion of the UK overseas – more than 20 Government departments and agencies – under an effective and widely recognised brand. Launched in 2011/12, the GREAT campaign has already generated returns of £2.6 billion for the UK economy, with a further £2.7 billion currently being audited and more to come from current activities. For more information visit great.gov.uk.
About the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word. In nine short years the Festival has grown into the UAE’s premier literary festival, hosting international and regional writers, poets, thinkers and speakers from around the world. Their sessions and workshops were enjoyed and appreciated by 40,000 visitors in 2016.
The multi award-winning Festival aims to encourage literary conversation and discussions on big ideas through a wide-ranging programme of events. From workshops and panels featuring international names such as Jeffrey Archer, Nawal El-Sadaawi, Chimamanda Adichie, and many more, to writing competitions for all ages, the key vision of the Festival is to inspire those who do not read for pleasure and to engage authors from around the globe to make this possible every year.
Held alongside the main programme are the Festival’s ever-popular Education Days, where students and youngsters meet and interact with their favourite authors. Of particular importance are the Festival’s student competitions, in Arabic and English, which allow young people to showcase their talents through poetry, short stories, reading skills and performance.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Festival is a key part of the Emirates Literature Foundation, which was established in 2013 by Royal decree and in partnership with Emirates Airline and the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for heritage, arts, and culture, the Festival returns in 2017, from 3-11 March.
For information and updates about the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature visit the website: www.emirateslitfest.com.
About the Emirates Literature Foundation:
The Emirates Literature Foundation, the home of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, is a not-for-profit organisation which supports and nurtures literature in the United Arab Emirates and the region through a programme of varied cultural initiatives.
Established in 2013 by royal decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a life-long love for all literature. Recognising the importance of reading from a young age, the Foundation focuses on encouraging children and young people to enjoy reading for pleasure.
The Foundation initiatives include implementing the School Librarian of the Year Award, the annual Arabic Language Week, the Dubai Translation Conference and Publishing Conference, as well as year-round School Education Programmes, Book Clubs and Creative Writing Courses.
The Foundation is also the governing body of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the UAE’s premier literary festival, which will be held from 3-11 March, 2017.
Emirates Literature Foundation
Dar Al Adaab
Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood
PO Box 24506
Dubai, UAE
www.elfdubai.org
