Audience-led programme
Our audience-led programme has been created to ensure our events are of interest to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Audience focus groups develop the event in conjunction with our event team, suggesting the main theme, issues they would like to be discussed, and experts that they find relevant and interesting.
Our current focus group is composed of members from the London African-Caribbean community. Past focus groups have included members from the Indian-Pakistani and Chinese communities.
events
East-West Medical Matters
21 November 2006, 19:00 - 20:30
What happens to traditional Chinese medicine when it makes the leap from East to West? Find out how this body of wisdom has adapted to London life from practitioners and patients, and examine some of the identity issues this transition involves.
Scientific Racism: A history
16 October 2007, 19:00 - 21:00
Where did the concept of race come from? How and why did nineteenth-century science divide people into races? Investigate the role of science in the system of slavery, domination and power with historians, geneticists and scientific objects from history. Come and share your views.
Is Science Colour Blind?
30 October 2007, 19:00 - 21:00
How inclusive is science? Might race have a useful role to play in contemporary science? Talk about the legacies of scientific racism today with those involved in mental healthcare and genetics, and share your views in an open forum.
Melanin Effects, Not So Black and White
12 March 2008, 19:00 - 20:30
Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour. But is that all it does? And does it matter? Find out about the scientific and social issues surrounding this controversial molecule.
Intelligence
3 July 2008, 19:00 - 21:00
What is intelligence? Can we measure it? Who determines levels of intelligence and where does genetics come into it? Consider the historical, scientific, cultural and environmental perspectives on this controversial issue, and have your say.
Imhotep and the roots of medicine
15 October 2008, 19:00 - 20:30
Who was Imhotep and how much does modern science owe to him? Did ancient African knowledge influence Hippocrates and the evolution of medicine? Discover how ancient African knowledge is part of modern science, medicine and technology in this celebration of Black History Month.
The Colour of Health
5 March 2009, 19:00 - 21:00
There are medical conditions that affect some communities more than others. Rather than just genetics, this is down to an interplay of biological, social and environmental factors. Taking two medical conditions that are more prevalent in black women, we discuss causes, support and solutions.
Moving Genes
25 June 2009, 19:00 - 21:00
The rapidly expanding field of genetics has given us unprecedented tools to study the movement of people across history. We examine the research projects using genetics to track human migration and discuss the science, the social issues and the implications of these studies.
Science: In the Name of the Law
19 October 2009, 19:00 - 21:00
Scientific evidence is being used increasingly in courts of law. Join John Thompson, famously cleared in the US on the basis of scientific data, and other experts and activists to debate exoneration, conviction, discrimination and the national DNA database.
Living Ancestors: The Science of Longevity
27 October 2009, 19:00 - 21:00
The small island of Dominica is home to a record number of centenarians. What is their secret? Cultural activist and artist Gabrielle Le Roux went to find out. In this event she presents her work and discusses the Dominicans’ lifestyle and philosophies together with health scientists.
Black Scientists and Inventors
29 October 2009, 19:00 - 20:30
Michael Williams, author of Black Scientists and Inventors, gives an enlightening insight into the contributions that Africans and people of African descent have made to science and engineering. Come and discuss over two millennia of discoveries, inventions and innovation.
Sounds From My Room
11 May 2010, 19:00 - 20:45
Got a tune rattling round your head, but no big recording studio? What can you do to create your hit? Discover the secrets of becoming a DIY music producer, with workshops and discussions to help you reveal your musical skills.
Black Men Can’t Swim?
20 July 2010, 19:00 - 20:45
Sportsmen Cullen Jones and Jackie Robinson defy myths by succeeding in sports perceived as predominantly white. Do the barriers to sporting success lie in our physical abilities, our cultural history or in socioeconomic factors? Come to Dana to explore the winning factor.
Living Black Scientists
28 September 2010, 19:00 - 20:45
The view of the white, bespectacled, lab-coated scientist is far from the reality in the world of science today. Join us to discover the great work being done by scientists of African-Caribbean origin and the challenges they face.