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Angel on the Green to host ‘big ideas’ from York experts

Posted on 5 April 2023

The University of York is working with Angel on the Green - a community-owned enterprise – to bring ideas, research and engagement into York’s neighbourhoods in a new series of public talks.

Angel on the Green is based on Bishopthorpe Road, York. Image credit: Rich Liptrot

The seven-part series, led by University experts, will explore some of the most pressing challenges our society is facing and the ideas and research that aim to solve them. 

Located at Angel on the Green on Bishopthorpe Road, the talks include topics such as how to feed the world on crop waste and bugs; understanding digital rights; why art matters; and how to cure childhood phobias.

Festival

Joan Concannon, Director of York Festival of Ideas, said: “We are excited to be working with Angel on the Green in the lead-up to this year’s Festival. The programme of events will showcase some of the incredible creativity and innovations of our experts and invite our local community to join us in exploring and debating these big ideas.”

The events lead up to the York Festival of Ideas - a series of 150 talks, discussion panels, and performances, which runs from 02 to 15 June 2023, under the theme of ‘Reimagine, Rediscover, Rebuild.’

Finding solutions

Bella Brunton, General Manager of Angel on the Green, said: “At Angel on the Green we value the conversations we have with our regulars and newcomers alike. We're so excited to be hosting these events so that we can discuss the things that really matter at the local level and beyond. 

“We look forward to inviting our community to join the conversations, have a drink with us, but most of all we hope they will bring their ideas and help us find solutions together.”

Events include:

Monday, 17 April - Grub Up: Feeding the World With Crop Waste and Bugs

Dr Alex Setchfield, Fera Science and BioYorkshire

Did you know that by 2050 there will be a staggering 50% deficit in protein supply? Meet Venturing Business Scientist Alex Setchfield, who will share his discovery of a sustainable solution to bridging the protein gap.

Monday, 24 April - What’s in our Rivers? 

Professor Alistair Boxall, Department of Environment and Geography

Professor Boxall will discuss his team’s work to understand the pollution of the Rivers Ouse and Foss. Find out how their research can help us better manage the risks of chemicals, and what you can do to clean up York’s rivers.

Monday, 1 May - Digital Rights: What Are They and Why Should We Care About Them? 

Professor Tom Stoneham, Head of the Department of Philosophy

Digital rights protect us in the digital world, where some of the most powerful organisations in history are in control. Professor Stoneham, explores which digital rights are essential and asks whether new laws aiming to regulate the digital world are really protecting our rights or, in fact, taking them away.

Monday, 8 May - Starting Local with Economic System Change: Community Wealth Building 

Professor Martin O’Neill, Department of Philosophy

How can we build more equal, inclusive and democratic societies? Join Professor O’Neill, as he discusses how we can reverse our broken economic model and return wealth to local communities.

Monday, 15 May - Exploring Art and Why It Matters

Helena Cox, University of York Art Curator

The University of York’s first ever art curator, reveals the range and depth of a collection that is the envy of many a national gallery, revealing how it can be better leveraged to support not just teaching and research, but a deeper engagement with the city and the wider world for the public good.

Monday, 22 May - From Spiders and Dogs to Vomit and Needles: Single-session phobia treatment for children and adolescents

Professor Lina Gega, The Institute for Mental Health at York

Fear is a normal and natural response that can protect children from danger. But what if it becomes a debilitating problem? Drawing on the findings of her five-year study, Professor Gega reveals how a single-session treatment developed by her team is just as effective as expensive multi-session therapy to treat phobias in children and young people.

Monday, 12 June - Policing the Most Vulnerable in Society

Dr Kate Brown, School for Business and Society

Failures to protect the vulnerable have become a permanent feature of the political landscape, and policing now plays an increasingly contentious role in responding to vulnerability. Dr Brown shows how vulnerability is both caused and mitigated through policing, an area in desperate need of radical change. She will also introduce the new ESRC Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre at the University of York that will address this challenge.

All events are 7pm - 8pm, but if you can arrive by 6.30pm for a prompt start. 

For more information, visit yorkfestivalofideas.com

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