Curious Festival Unveils Diverse Programme Spanning Science, Heritage, and Democracy
Traveloasisspot.com – The Royal Society of Edinburgh is set to host its annual Curious festival this September, offering a comprehensive programme of free events designed to engage the public with cutting-edge research and historical mysteries. Running from September 5 through 13, the celebration will feature thirty-four distinct events alongside three accompanying exhibitions, providing ample opportunity for attendees to explore subjects ranging from entomology to political science.
Stained Glass Mystery Takes Centre Stage
One of the most intriguing sessions will focus on a fascinating archaeological puzzle involving fragments of stained glass that mysteriously reappeared at Dunfermline Abbey. In November 2020, approximately two decades after they were initially discovered near the abbey and subsequently removed, anonymous donors returned pieces of the historic window. Through meticulous scientific examination, historical research, and visual analysis, experts determined these shards belonged to the renowned Margaret Window.
Vivienne Kelly, an artist and doctoral candidate at Heriot-Watt University, will co-host a workshop exploring both the scientific principles and conservation methods associated with stained glass alongside Craig Kennedy, also from Heriot-Watt. The pair played instrumental roles in resolving the mystery surrounding the returned fragments.
It’s important that people have the opportunity to engage with stained glass heritage, and the mystery of the Dunfermline Abbey fragments gives us the chance to unravel their secrets together.
During the live demonstration, Kelly and Kennedy will showcase X-ray fluorescence technology, a technique employed to determine how colour is imparted to glass. They will also address the considerable challenges inherent in preserving stained glass artworks for future generations.
The event will be a unique look not only at the stained glass, but at the research techniques used by academics and practitioners, and how individuals and communities can interact with heritage through a new lens.
Mosquitoes and Climate Change
As global temperatures rise, northern Europe faces increasing vulnerability to mosquito-borne illnesses. Professor Heather Ferguson will lead a discussion examining findings from the Mosquito Scotland project, which represents the inaugural comprehensive investigation into the distribution patterns, ecological characteristics, and disease transmission risks posed by mosquitoes across Scotland.
Democracy and Battery Technology
The festival’s political segment features Professor Sir John Curtice, Professor Ailsa Henderson, and Professor Chris Carman, who will evaluate the trajectory of Scottish democracy following the anticipated 2026 Holyrood election. Meanwhile, Dr Amer Syed from the University of Edinburgh will guide participants through a workshop focused on lithium-ion batteries, helping attendees comprehend their design, manufacturing processes, and environmental implications within the broader renewable energy framework.
These batteries are becoming increasingly common, and while we hear a lot about them as they are used in a wide range of places from your Bluetooth earphones to electric vehicles, it is important that people understand what goes into their design and manufacture.
Additionally, writer Louise Welsh and architect Jude Barber will present insights from their citizen investigation podcast, Who Owns the Clyde?, offering fresh perspectives on public ownership and civic engagement.
Free Access for All
Professor Dee Heddon, a fellow of the RSE and member of its public engagement committee, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s offerings. She noted that the team consistently assembles an impressive roster of experts eager to share their knowledge with the public.
For anyone curious to learn about something new, or a passion they have held for years, you can learn – free – with the people who know their subjects best, through this series of workshops, talks, film screenings and creative walking tours.
Booking opens on Thursday, July 23, via the official website at rse.org.uk/curious/. The festival remains entirely free, representing a valuable opportunity for Scottish residents to deepen their understanding of diverse subjects through direct interaction with leading academics and practitioners.
