Sketches in science

Science is often portrayed as theoretical work, based on abstract ideas conveyed by written reports Science is often portrayed. At the same time, scientists from various fields and historical times have kept desk drawers and notebooks full of sketches. The sketch is often the first appearance of an idea or an observation, its rawest form. What do sketches do to science? How does the act of sketching influence theoretical reasoning and experimental design?

During this evening, chemist George Attard and philosopher of science Helena Cleeve will present their views on scientific sketches in micro lectures, followed by a panel discussion on the significance of sketches led by historian of science Julia Ravanis.

29 October at Skissernas Museum.
Program starts at 17.30.
Free entrance, no registration needed.
The event is in English, but questions from the audience can be in Swedish if preferred.

George Attard is a researcher in the chemical sciences at Lund Univeristy for whom sketching is part of his scientific reasoning. For him, translating abstract ideas into rough visual artefacts supports exploratory thinking when developing hypotheses, making sense of experimental observations or when planning complex experiments.

Helena Cleeve is a researcher in theory of science at the University of Gothenburg. Cleeve has a background in design and she uses drawing to study care practices and everyday life with illness. Her work focuses especially on eldercare and dementia care. Drawing has become central to how she observes, analyses and communicates subtle but crucial aspects of care.

The event is organized by the Academic forum at Chalmers University of Technology and Lund University, supported by COMMONS centre of excellence, the Physics and Astronomy Department at Chalmers, and the cultural journal Glänta.