Line Up Announced for Cornwall’s First TEDX Event
Marine conservation, searching for life in space, grief and genetics are just some of the topics that will be covered at Cornwall’s first TEDx event.
Inspired by the TED conference, where some of the world’s best thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives, TEDxTruro will take place on 9 September at Truro’s Burrell Theatre. The theme of the day is ‘Time and Tide’, with inspiring talks from speakers who have spent their lives creating change: some through researching and educating; others by facing and rising above adversity.
Mandy Reynolds, TEDxTruro Curator and Licensee, comments:
“All of our speakers have a connection with Cornwall, as it was important to us to ensure that TEDxTruro is a truly Cornish event. From untold Cornish stories to cutting edge research, we hope the event will showcase the great ideas that are being generated in Cornwall and by people with a connection to the county. We are really excited by the caliber of our speakers and the diverse range of topics they will cover. It will truly be an inspirational day.”
The speakers will include Dr Heather Koldewey from the Zoological Society of London who’s talk ‘Optimistic Oceans’ will put the case for a more positive approach to promoting marine conservation.
Overcoming tragedy and making the most of the time you have will be the focus of Victoria Milligan’s talk. Victoria’s life was torn apart in 2013 when she was involved in a speed boat accident in Padstow, which claimed the lives of her husband and eight-year-old daughter.
Chris Williams from the New Economics Foundation will focus on fishing and the need for fresh thinking to ensure that the industry reaps the greatest benefits for society.
Clinical psychologist and software designer Dr Craig Newman will look at the potential for technology to empower patients of chronic illnesses.
Dr Jess Tyrrell from the University of Exeter will ask: “Is life tougher for short men and overweight women?” She will use big data and genetics to provide the answer.
Divorce and separation will be the focus for Herve G Wery, who will talk about the need to make a parent’s love for their child the priority during family breakdowns.
Nathan Mayne, a senior lecturer of astrophysics at the University of Exeter will focus on the search for life in distant solar systems.
Olivia Lowry, a Cornish writer and performer, will talk about the inspiration for her play The Coastguard’s Daughter, which is based on true events which unfolded in and around her family home in Pentewan.
Two more speakers are being finalised, making the final total to 10, will be announced later this month.
TED began in the USA in 1984 and is devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks of 18 minutes or less. Today TED covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. TED has become a viral video phenomenon and global community, with millions of people around the world watching and sharing TED talks online. TEDx events are inspired by TED, but are independent and self-organised.
For more information about TEDxTruro Visit their website.
