University scientists at Cardiff Book Festival
19 September 2017
Scientists from Cardiff University’s MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics are joining Einstein’s Garden at Cardiff Book Festival to open a library with a twist.
This pop-up event will see librarians and scientists working together again, this time at Cardiff Central Library, to help visitors unravel the secrets hidden in the genes of their favourite fictional characters.
Taking place as part of Cardiff Book Festival, the Library of Imagined Genes will be open for business on 22 and 23 September.
The special genes library first opened its doors with a magical launch at Green Man Festival in 2016.
The world’s most famous fictional characters
Over the four days of Wales’s largest arts and contemporary music event, the team invited festival goers to browse amongst books and a biobank containing ‘genetic samples’ of the world’s most famous fictional characters.
Join us in Cardiff city centre and browse amongst the books and samples to discover how our stories are shaped not just by our actions and choices, but also by our genes.
PhD student Hayley Moulding explained: “The Library of Imagined Genes gives you a chance to explore the inner workings of your favourite characters...”
“It is a vibrant, visual display of how we can use genetics to understand the different personalities and different actions of people. By using beloved fictional characters from Harry Potter to Jane Eyre, we can see how their DNA could have contributed to their decisions throughout their stories.”
“We're really looking forward to opening the library again so come along and undertake some DNA analysis of your favourite character and learn a bit more about genetics and mental health.”
The event is free and open to all and will be located on the third floor of Cardiff Central Library.
The Library of Imagined Genes will be open:
14:00 – 17:00 Friday 22 September
11:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:00 Saturday 23 September
