Liverpool LASER Talks: Within Touching Distance

Join us in conversation to explore the role of immersive technologies in neuroscience, immersive theatre, and medical simulation

The emergence of immersive technologies such as VR Headsets and Game Engines provide new opportunities for artists and scientists alike. In this Liverpool Art Science Evening Rendezvouz (LASER) Talks we bring together speakers from very different disciplines whose work greatly extends the potential of these tools within neuroscience, health immersive theatre to reveal insights into the artistic, scientific and technological basis of their unique illusionary and immersive power.

Our speakers are:

• Dr Susannah Walker, Behavioural Neuroscientist and co-lead of the Somatosensory & Affective Neuroscience group at LJMU, explores how sensory stimuli, particularly touch, taste and smell, influence our emotions and behaviour.
• John-Paul Mills, Digital Simulation Learning Technologist and member of the School of Nursing and Advanced Practice at LJMU, explores the uses of immersive technologies in simulations for learning in Health settings.
• Prof. Jorge Lopes Ramos is Professor of Interactive Theatre and Performance at the University of Greenwich focusing on disabled-led arts practice, interactive technology and serious games. Jorge is co-founding Director of ZU-UK, theatrical company pioneering immersive performance and participatory theatre. ZU-UK’s latest work ‘Withing Touching Distance’ from which the title of this event is taken, is an award winning, genre defining piece of immersive theatre. Central to the power of piece is the bringing together of visual images from VR headsets with touch stimulus from actors, clothing and other props to deliver an experience of unparalleled emotional impact.

Running Order:

· 18:00 – Event start – Introductions by Dr Mark Wright and Mark Roughley

· 18.15 – 15 min talk from Dr Susannah Walker

· 18.30 – 15 min talk from John-Paul Mills

· 18.45 – 15 min talk from Prof Jorge Lopes Ramos

· 19.00 – ‘In conversation’ chaired by Dr Mark Wright

· 19:30 – Q& A and networking

· 20:00 – Event end

Liverpool LASER is part of the worldwide series of Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous (LASER) Talks sponsored by Leonardo, the International Society for Art, Sciences and Technology, which brings artists and scientists together for informal presentations and conversations on art, science and technology.

Liverpool LASER is hosted by Professor Caroline Wilkinson, Director of Face Lab LJMU, and Mark Roughley, MA Art in Science Programme Leader. The LASER is supported by the MA Art in Science programme, which aims to bring artists and scientists together to explore collaborative approaches in art-science research and practice.

Liverpool LASER is one of over 50 LASER Talks operating worldwide and with every LASER being unique to its own community, Liverpool LASER hopes to bring together interested individuals to explore and cultivate the growing art/science/technology community in Liverpool and the North West of the UK.

Watch our previous LASER talks here: https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/microsites/liverpool-laser 

Liverpool LASER Talks is funded by X-Lab at the Institute for Art and Technology (IAT) at LJMU.

Links:

Leonardo LASER talks  https://www.leonardo.info/laser-talks

Liverpool LASER www.ljmu.ac.uk/liverpoollaser

MA Art in Science https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduates/2025/35605-art-in-science-ma

Social Media:

X: @ArtinScienceMA, @LaserTalks

Instagram: @ArtinScienceMA, @LaserTalks

Facebook: @LaserTalks

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