Lunchtime Talk: The Beauty of Nature

Knowing and making beauty: three ideas from the art of science

What is beauty and how do we know it? From ideas about balance and harmony to ideas about how things should look like, when we think about the beauty of our planet we often think about pristine spaces untouched by humans that flood our senses with the vibrancy of their colours, shapes and patterns. And that is true. But this talk will argue that humans, particularly when they work together, are part of what makes our planet beautiful. It will also look at the relationship between science and art and offer three ideas from the art of research to find and protect the beauty of Planet Earth.

About the speakers:

María Paula is Senior Lecturer in Environmental Geography at Bristol Veterinary School. Her research explores tensions and intersections between livestock farming, conservation and the environment, drawing from studies of regulation as governance, more-than-human geographies, Planetary Health and the politics of materiality. She leads interdisciplinary teams in different regions of Colombia, including the high altitude páramos of Boyacá and the rainforests of the Amazon. She is an experienced science communicator and a 2023 Fellow of the Association of British Science Writers, with a footprint in the BBC, the Hay Festival and Wired.

Jaskiran Kaur Chohan Jaskiran is a Lecturer in Human Geography at the School of Geographical Sciences. Her research explores agroecology, the construction of alternative socio-ecologies and peace through food, particularly in conflict zones in Latin America. She uses an interdisciplinary, co-produced approach and intersectional lens to unpack challenges around transforming food, building agrobiodiversity, and sustainable peace.

Steve Simpson Steve is a Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change. He is a marine and fish biologist, restoration ecologist, science communicator and ocean optimist whose research focusses on understanding impacts of global threats (overfishing, warming seas, ocean acidification) and using this knowledge to deliver solutions (adaptive fisheries, coral reef restoration, acoustic sanctuaries). Steve contributes regularly to TV and radio (eg BBC Blue Planet II), collaborates with artists and composers (eg Cassie To), and shares his research through citizen science and storytelling (eg COP27).

Tickets: There's no charge for entry and tickets aren't essential but they guarantee you a seat.

Adult Free
Child Free

Available dates

Sorry, there are currently no dates available

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How to get there

Facilities

  • Baby changing
  • Toilets
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • WiFi

On the day

This is a seated event. The seats are 485 mm wide, 553 mm deep and the seat is 456 mm from the floor. Some seats with arms are available.

There is level access to the event. Temporary toilets will be available outside of the Cathedral for this event.

We recommend using public transport - use buses to the City Centre/Park Street. The nearest car park is College Street.

Changes happen, don't worry

How to change dates
Change of plans? You can easily rebook the next available slot up to 1 days before your experience.
How to get a refund
Can't make it? We understand things happen! You can cancel and get a full refund up to 1 days before your experience.
Please note that this refund policy does not apply to gift bookings. You may reschedule your gift if outside the time period stated above. However, all gifts are non-refundable and expire exactly 1 year after the date of purchase.

You'll be hosted by

Bristol Cathedral

Standing at the heart of Bristol's vibrant city centre, Bristol Cathedral is one of England's great medieval churches. For almost 900 years it has been a living place of sanctuary, teaching, prayer and music. Events at Bristol Cathedral range from family-friendly Crafty Cathedral sessions to gin tasting and guided tours in the Norman Chapter House, through to large-scale light shows.

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Any questions?

Ask your question directly to Bristol Cathedral.

Available dates

Sorry, there are currently no dates available

The good news is that we’re expecting more to be added really soon!

Want to be the first to find out when new dates are released? Register below to notify the host of your interest