The deep connection between science and art

In the late 1950s the scientist and novelist C.P. Snow declared that there’s a deep divide between the world of the arts and the world of science, as he famously said they are two cultures. He argued that, oftentimes, those involved in the arts have little knowledge or interest in science and the same vice versa. Even at the time this was a controversial opinion, but it’s an idea that has never truly gone away.

In this episode, we’re joined by Prof Anne Osbourn, a biologist based at the John Innes Centre and founder of the Science, Art and Writing (SAW) Trust to talk about the crossover between art and science and to share some poems from her collection Rockall.

She talks to us about her lifelong love of both science and the arts, how creative thinking is essential in both disciplines, and shares the work the SAW Trust does on encouraging us all to explore every aspect of the way we view the world.

Take your curiosity further with a subscription to BBC Science Focus magazine. Every issue is packed with fascinating insights into the science behind everyday life, the latest breakthroughs and expert analysis, delivered straight to your door. Receive an extra £5 when you subscribe using the code SF5OFF, (minimum spend £20, see full terms and conditions on our website).

https://www.ourmediashop.com/bbc-science-focus-magazine-pod30

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