Why have we created a divide between arts and sciences? Are the ways in which artists and scientists see the world as different as we imagine? Can we identify common themes to build bridges between the two disciplines? These are some of the questions to be tackled by a prestigious panel in Extremes of Vision, a public debate taking place today (Wednesday 19 March) at the Faculty of Law, University Sidgwick Site, 7.30pm-9pm.

The debate, part of Cambridge Science Festival's Spotlight on Science series, is being staged jointly by the Science Festival, Vermont Law School and the Junction. The panel will comprise: Dame Gillian Beer, Faculty of English, University of Cambridge; Professor Simon Biggs, artist and lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University; Professor Semir Zeki, Wellcome Laboratory of Neurobiology, University College London and Duncan Robinson, director of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Once each panel member has given a brief address, the debate will be open to questions from the floor. Mr Robinson, who will chair the discussion, said:

"The panel brings together some very lively minds and we hope it will be an enjoyable evening. A starting point for debate might be the word ‘vision’, which can mean both sight and insight."

Prof Biggs, a practising artist whose highly innovative digital work was exhibited at Kettle's Yard last year, was the recipient of the first New Technology Arts Fellowship, a residency set up jointly by Cambridge University and the Junction.

Digital programme co-ordinator at the Junction, Lizzie Muller, welcomed the collaboration between the Junction and Cambridge Science Festival.

"As a leading proponent of contemporary culture, we are committed to bridging the gap between the scientific and the artistic worlds of Cambridge," she said.

For more information on Cambridge Science Festival phone the information centre on 01223 766766 or go to


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