Bright sparks of science and art unite for an enlightening event

The Edinburgh International Science Festival is to host a new flagship project bringing back the spirit of the Enlightenment.

In the 18th century, the Scottish Enlightenment was characterised by the vibrant flowering of ideas and enquiry that flourished as thinkers and scientists sought to understand the natural world and the human mind.

The Edinburgh Enlightenment Exchange or Edinburgh E2 celebrates the spirit of enquiry with a day-long showcase, divided into four themed sessions – Discover, Create, Innovate and Inspire – in which scientists, artists, musicians and other creative innovators will share their ideas and passion through a series of presentations and performances.

Speakers include Edinburgh art collective Found, Professor Steven Blackmore, Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Dr Tilo Kunath, Parkinson’s UK senior research fellow, and Dr Peter Lovatt, principal lecturer and reader in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire.

Amanda Tyndall, deputy director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, said: “The Science Festival is a perfect playground for ideas, and we are so excited by this opportunity to celebrate creativity and brilliance in so many disparate fields. ”

The Edinburgh Enlightenment Exchange will take place at the National Museum of Scotland on Saturday, March 31.