Crossing Boundaries, Bridging Desires: The Science of Sex as an Interdisciplinary Conversation
Autumn Brown – Dublin City University and Amelia McConville – Trinity College Dublin
In a world where cultural, social, and scientific perspectives on sex often remain siloed, The Science of Sex invited participants to explore the intersections of gender, sexuality, intimacy, and technology. Held as part of the Art+Science Salon at Berlin Science Week, this groundbreaking live podcast and panel event brought together voices from cultural anthropology, psychiatry, and critical theory to delve into sex through interdisciplinary lenses. It was the first event to sell out at Berlin Science Week, underscoring the public’s appetite for nuanced, inclusive, and community-driven discussions on these topics.
This session invites participants to reflect on the methods and outcomes of using interdisciplinary public engagement to tackle complex, often sensitive topics like sex and intimacy. Through the event, attendees explored critical conversations on sexual health, mediation technologies, and societal norms.
Aligned with the EUSEA theme “Equipping the Crew,” this proposal highlights how art + science collaborations can connect diverse communities and expand the boundaries of public engagement. We will share insights into curating spaces for interdisciplinary, communal discussions and offer participants the tools to design their own boundary-pushing events. Together, we will reflect on the role of creativity, ethics, and inclusivity in fostering meaningful dialogues that engage diverse audiences.
Join us to explore how public engagement on taboo topics can navigate cultural oceans, bridge social divides, and inspire innovative conversations that reshape how we understand intimacy in the modern world.
Navigating Public Engagement: Setting Sail with Buses
Miha Kos– Hiša eksperimentov
The session explores an unconventional approach to public engagement by using buses as mobile science communication platforms. While the conference theme, “Crossing Oceans Raising Our Sails,” evokes adventurous journeys, we anchor this metaphor in reaching audiences who prefer grounded, familiar environments like buses.
Drawing from years of collaboration with a local bus company, I will share strategies that bring science to daily commuters: interactive experiments, science exhibits at bus stations, popular science Q&A displays within buses, and even science shows on moving vehicles. These initiatives exemplify how public transportation can become a space for curiosity and connection, breaking down barriers to engagement.
Participants will not only learn about these methods but will also be invited to reflect on how to “sail” into new audience spaces, embracing creative, mobile, and inclusive approaches to public engagement in their own contexts.