Thanks for the Memories: a panel event exploring collective memory, music and public health

Thanks for the Memories is a panel discussion bringing together immunologists, a medical historian and a composer to discuss the themes behind Dangerous Matter, a new opera inspired by the extraordinary life of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu – a forgotten pioneer who defied convention and helped change the course of medical history by advocating for inoculation in 18th century Britain.

Previewing filmed excerpts of the opera ahead of its forthcoming release and open discussion, the panel will explore themes including the role of arts in communicating science, questions of safety, trust and confidence in public health, and the overlooked contributions of women in the history of medicine. We invite you to join the conversation and reflect on how artistic practice can help surface hidden narratives and reimagine how we tell stories about science.

Join us for a captivating evening at the intersection of music, science and history.

The panel will be followed by a drinks reception in the Entrance Gallery.