iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

The IMH welcomes PhD proposals aligning with the medical humanities via the Transformative Humanities studentships. Find out more about the fully funded Transformative Humanities studentships here: lnkd.in/efhf7QDc

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Join us for a lecture by Dr Gwen Adshead exploring trauma as a complex human experience and its relationship with memory, identity and violence. 📆 Friday 30 October, 12PM - 1:30PM 📍 Institute for Medical Humanities More info & book: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unspeakabl...

eventbrite.co.uk

Unspeakable: Trauma, Memory, and Violence

A lecture by Dr Gwen Adshead discussing trauma and exposure to traumatic events as a complex human experience.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

A warm welcome to Dr Rebecca Whiteley who joins us as a Visiting Scholar in The Visual and Material Lab for the 2026-27 academic year! 🔗 Find out more about Rebecca: medhumsplatform.org/meet-visitin...

medhumsplatform.org

Meet Visiting Scholar, Rebecca Whitely | The Platform

A warm welcome to Rebecca Whitely, Visiting Scholar in The Visual and Material Lab for the academic year 2026–27.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

🎉 We are excited to share that Georgia Punton has been awarded an Addison Wheeler Research Fellowship with IMH and Durham’s Department of Psychology! Her project, 'The Imagination After Midnight', explores night-time thoughts and imagination, and how they relate to sleep and wellbeing. 👇 Read here

durham.ac.uk

Georgia Punton Addison Wheeler Fellow - Durham University

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

🎭 Join us for Crossroads: A Research Cabaret, an evening of live music, poetry, dance, stand-up comedy and surprises exploring experiences of illness, disability and health decision-making. 📅 12 November 2026 🕖 7–10pm 📍 Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham, DH1 5TA 👇 Find out more and book your place

eventbrite.co.uk

Crossroads: A Research Cabaret

One night only! Come along for an evening of live performance, music, and research as you’ve never seen it before.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Delighted to welcome Janne-Elin Yttri as a visiting PhD researcher! From Monday, Region Zealand Head Psychiatrist & University of Copenhagen Clin Assoc Prof Janne will spend 2 weeks exploring the phenomenology of auditory hallucinations with Durham colleagues. Learn more: tinyurl.com/visit-jey

medhumsplatform.org

https://medhumsplatform.org/introducing-janne-elin-yttri/

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

A warm welcome to Nicholas Duddy, who joins the Narrative Practices Lab next week for 2 months as a Visiting Scholar! During his visit, Nicholas will be investigating narrative approaches to mental health with colleagues from across the University. Find out more: tinyurl.com/duddy-visit

medhumsplatform.org

https://medhumsplatform.org/introducing-visiting-scholar-nicholas-duddy/

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Welcome to @liu.se's Prof. Kristin Zeiler, who joins the Platform as an International Professorial Fellow. Over the next 2 months, she'll be exploring the role of interdisciplinary research in contemporary healthcare - we can’t wait to see what her visit inspires! More: tinyurl.com/visit-kz

medhumsplatform.org

https://medhumsplatform.org/meet-kristin-zeiler

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

🎙️ ICYMI! Catch Bridging Fellow @danielpjones.bsky.social on BBC Newcastle talking about his new international research project on Tourette Syndrome. Listen on BBC Sounds (1hr 7mins in). medhumsplatform.org/bbc-radio-ne...

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The September edition of the IMH newsletter is now live! Catch up on the latest news, events, research and opportunities from across our community at Durham University. mailchi.mp/durham.ac.uk...

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Reposted by Durham Institute for Medical Humanities

ReaderBank @thereaderbank.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

If you've been thinking what ReaderBank's been up to, does this haiku help?

Poet Karen McCarthy Woolf speaks to Mary Robson on stage

An audience member with a ReaderBank postcard writes notes

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Reposted by Durham Institute for Medical Humanities

ReaderBank @thereaderbank.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

In sunny Salford, quizzes and poems galore. And you, on your way?

A stack of sealed envelopes with a sign saying 'Pick up a poem!'

A sunny nook with shelves and tables and a ReaderBank poster, with Mary Robson sitting in a corner wearing shades

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Survey reminder! If you've ever read or written for @the-polyphony.bsky.social, the team are still keen to hear your views on the site and any connections, ideas and opportunities that may have emerged through the experience. Take part today: durhamuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

durhamuniversity.qualtrics.com

The Polyphony | 2026 User Survey

A 10 minute survey exploring what it is like to read or write for The Polyphony and what can happen as a result.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

A warm welcome to Prof. Alison Downham Moore from @westernsydneyu.bsky.social, who joins us as a Visiting Scholar this week! Find out more about Alison: medhumsplatform.org/welcome-to-v...

medhumsplatform.org

Welcome to Visiting Scholar, Alison Downham Moore | The Platform

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Last chance to get tickets for ReaderBank at BBC Contains Strong Language in Salford this week (25–27 September)! Find out how poetry engages the imagination and what kind of reader you are at our interactive workshop and drop-in sessions. 👉 medhumsplatform.org/readerbank-a...

Black, orange and yellow rectangles with the text 'Contains Strong Language'.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

A warm welcome to Palak Daga, who joins the IMH as our new Communications Intern. We're looking forward to working with you, Palak! www.durham.ac.uk/research/ins...

durham.ac.uk

Welcome to Palak Daga - Durham University

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

New open access book! 'Neurodiversity and the Contemporary in the 21st Century Novel' by Nicola Simonetti sheds light on the intersections between neurodiversity, literature and the growing field of Contemporary Studies. Find out more: medhumsplatform.org/new-publicat...

Book cover for Neurodiversity and the Contemporary in the 21st-Century Novel. Features distorted clock faces in mint and dark green.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Congratulations to @danielpjones.bsky.social, who has been awarded a prestigious Wellcome Early-Career Award to transform understandings of Tourette Syndrome. 🎉 Find out more about Daniel’s project: www.durham.ac.uk/research/ins...

durham.ac.uk

Daniel Jones Award - Durham University

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

How do bodies know? Join us in Durham on October 6 for a full-day workshop exploring embodied and relational forms of knowing in therapeutic and qualitative research settings. 📝 Register below:

eventbrite.co.uk

Engaging the “ineffable” in Therapeutic Practice and Qualitative Research

An experimental workshop examining embodied and relational forms of knowing in therapeutic and qualitative research settings.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Have you ever read or written for @the-polyphony.bsky.social? We've launched a short survey to help shape The Polyphony's future and would love to hear from you about any opportunities, ideas, or connections that came from your experiences of the site. 📝 Take part here: tinyurl.com/polyphony-26

tinyurl.com

The Polyphony | 2026 User Survey

A 10 minute survey exploring what it is like to read or write for The Polyphony and what can happen as a result.

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Reposted by Durham Institute for Medical Humanities

Veronica Heney @veronicaheney.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

I blogged for the EPIC project about social contagion and epistemic injustice, the dangers of under-researched but persuasive theories, and how people who self-harm are left on the periphery of knowledge-making about their own lives: epistemicinjusticeinhealthcareproject.blogspot.com/2026/09/cont...

epistemicinjusticeinhealthcareproject.blogspot.com

Contagion’s complexities: When persuasive theory takes priority

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Reposted by Durham Institute for Medical Humanities

Dr. Daniel P. Jones @danielpjones.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Here, Emily Davis, Gabriela Minden and I reflect in @the-polyphony.bsky.social on what dance can teach us about health and knowledge: whose movements are valued in research? Thanks to the @durhamimh.bsky.social for supporting the event! #Dance #MedicalHumanities thepolyphony.org/2026/09/07/d...

thepolyphony.org

Dance and the critical medical humanities

Emily Davis, Daniel P Jones, and Gabriela Minden reflect on the potential of dance in the critical medical humanities following their one-day event ‘Dancing Across Disciplines’ held at Durham Unive…

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Our third Medical Humanities PhD Summer School in collaboration with the Centre for Medical Humanities and Bioethics at Linköping University was a huge success! 👉Find out more about how we explored interdisciplinary & cross-sector perspectives on bodies and embodiment: tinyurl.com/PhD-School-2...

A group of researchers standing on the grass in front of the sea in Vadstena, Sweden.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Don't miss @thereaderbank.bsky.social at BBC Contains Strong Language in Salford later this month! Join us on 25–27 September to explore how poetry engages the imagination in different and surprising ways at our workshop and drop-in sessions. Find out more: medhumsplatform.org/readerbank-a...

medhumsplatform.org

ReaderBank at BBC Contains Strong Language, 25–27 Sept 2026 | The Platform

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

In this age of AI, how can the medical humanities shape digitisation, and how are digital technologies shaping emerging medical practices? Join us on 16 Sept for a free day of talks and panels, hosted by our AI and Medical Humanities research strand. Register👇 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ai-world-b...

eventbrite.co.uk

AI World-building and the Medical Humanities

In this age of AI, how can the medical humanities shape digitisation, and how are digital technologies shaping emerging medical practices?

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Moving Bodies Lab Lead @cassie-phoenix.bsky.social delivered the Sir Derek Birley memorial lecture at the British Society of Sports History 2026 Annual Conference last week to an international audience at the University of Edinburgh. Read our news story 👇 medhumsplatform.org/sir-derek-bi...

medhumsplatform.org

Sir Derek Birley keynote lecture delivered by Moving Bodies Lab Lead | The Platform

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Huge thanks to everyone who came to see us! 💭📖 Find out more and get involved with the project at readerbank.org Brought to you by @aldersonday.bsky.social @georgiapunton.bsky.social @aryaray.bsky.social @maryrobbo.bsky.social @nickbarley.bsky.social and funded by @wellcometrust.bsky.social

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

We tested the new Imagination Quiz, discovered Reader Types, handed out trading cards and bookmarks, and had some wonderfully imaginative conversations along the way.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

That’s a wrap on #ReaderBank at the @edbookfest.bsky.social! 📚✨ Two brilliant days in the Discovery Zone talking with young readers and teachers about what happens in our imaginations when we read: how characters sound, stories feel, and whole worlds take shape.

ReaderBank posters and artwork surrounded by hand drawn pictures by participants

researcher Georgia Punton writes at a desk full of ReaderBank postcards, bookmarks, and electronic devices

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Reposted by Durham Institute for Medical Humanities

ReaderBank @thereaderbank.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

We’ve had such interesting discussions today about how characters sound, stories feel and worlds look in our minds when we read. We’re still buzzing with excitement after today, and can’t wait to tell you what comes next! If you don’t know what your Reader Type is yet, head over to readerbank.org

a person speaks to a group about the reading imagination

two people stand around a desk, with printed material and devices

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Reposted by Durham Institute for Medical Humanities

ReaderBank @thereaderbank.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

If you’re at the Edinburgh International Book Festival today, come visit us at the Discovery Zone for children in Venue B! We’d love to speak to young readers and teachers about how you imagine when you read... and while you’re at it, come do the quiz and grab a trading card and pretty bookmarks!

two people stand behind a desk with lots of colourful printed material

colourful bowls, cards and bookmarks laid out on a table

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Brought to you by @aldersonday.bsky.social @georgiapunton.bsky.social Nick Barley @aryaray.bsky.social @maryrobbo.bsky.social Angela Woods, the team at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the Discovery Research Platform for Medical Humanities. Funded by @wellcometrust.bsky.social

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

🔮We are also excited to introduce them to our new Reader Types for young readers – are you the Shapeshifter, the Fortune-Teller, the Watcher, the Listener, the Storyteller, or the Adventurer? If you miss us at the Festival this year, take part from home by signing up at www.readerbank.org

readerbank.org

ReaderBank

How do you imagine the things you read? Discover more about your mind and contribute to cutting-edge research on the science of our inner worlds.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The ReaderBank team is on the way to the Edinburgh International Book Festival on 26-27 August! 🔮Find us at the Discovery Zone where we will talk to young readers and schoolteachers about how stories manifest themselves in our imagination when we read.

Postcards and trading cards corresponding to each of the six reader types with colourful artwork.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

A new article in @thelancet.com co-authored by IMH Director Angela Woods calls for caution on the rapid adoption of ‘ambient scribes’ in healthcare – these are AI tools that listen to consultations and automatically generate patient notes. Read more: www.durham.ac.uk/research/ins...

durham.ac.uk

Ambient Scribes as Narrative Technologies - Durham University

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

How can we better understand inequality in physical activity and health? A recent workshop hosted by IMH researchers explored how Intersectional Conversation Analysis can reveal how identity, power and inequality are negotiated in everyday interactions. Read more: www.durham.ac.uk/research/ins...

durham.ac.uk

Intersectional Conversation Analysis, Physical Activity and the Medical Humanities - Durham University

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Our summer newsletter has just hit inboxes! 📨☀️ July's edition shares news from the Platform & IMH, new publications, and articles from @the-polyphony.bsky.social. We’re having a break from our monthly newsletter in August – we will be back in your inboxes in September. mailchi.mp/durham.ac.uk...

mailchi.mp

IMH newsletter: July 2026

News & updates from the Institute for Medical Humanities, Durham University.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Great to see Hearing the Voice – our interdisciplinary study of voice-hearing which ran from 2012–2022 – featured in this important report on interdisciplinary mental health research! www.durham.ac.uk/research/ins...

durham.ac.uk

Inquiry into interdisciplinary mental health research - Durham University

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

As part of her In Practice Research Fellowship, Dr Estelle Verdi has published a scoping review exploring how creative health approaches may support the mental health and wellbeing of minoritised women following baby loss. Read the article in full 👇 medhumsplatform.org/new-publicat...

medhumsplatform.org

New publication from In Practice Research Fellow: Creative health and baby loss in minoritised women

Estelle Verdi has co-authored a scoping review exploring how creative health approaches may support mental health of minoritised women following baby loss.

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Reposted by Durham Institute for Medical Humanities

Dr Tobias Atkinson @tobiasa1994.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Was glad to attend this workshop earlier this week hosted by @durhamimh.bsky.social. Very thought provoking presentations and discussions.

Poster for Durham University Gender, Autism and Affective and Epistemic Injustice workshop held on Tuesday July 7th 2026.

Black text at the centre reads: how do stereotypes, social norms, medical knowledge and the construction of social, technological, and research environments impact peoples affective experiences, sense of self, and authenticity? When are these impacts unjust?

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

How do we evaluate quality in co-produced research? A new publication co-authored by Kate Marks (Moving Bodies Lab) & Brett Smith (Narrative Practices Lab) explores how quality can be assessed in ways that reflect the values and aims of co-production. Read more 👇 medhumsplatform.org/new-publicat...

medhumsplatform.org

New publication: Evaluating quality in co-produced research

What does 'good' co-produced research look like? Kate Marks, Brett Smith and Victor Merino-Expósito explore in this new article for Critical Public Health.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Last month the IMH held a PhD Showcase event celebrating the diversity and creativity of research in the medical humanities. One of our Postgraduate coordinators has shared a recap of the event and explains the creative feedback process that was used in the panels. www.durham.ac.uk/research/ins...

durham.ac.uk

IMH Postgraduate Researcher Showcase

Last month the IMH held a PhD Showcase afternoon celebrating the diversity and creativity of research in the medical humanities.

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Reposted by Durham Institute for Medical Humanities

Katie Munday @kmunday.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I'm super excited about this workshop! 📚 Gender, Autism, and Affective and Epistemic Injustice workshop @durhamimh.bsky.social Tuesday 7th July 10-3.30 A HYBRID workshop developing interdisciplinary conversations around key issues www.durham.ac.uk/research/ins...

A poster with the workshop name, address, date and time.

Black text at the centre reads: how do stereotypes, social norms, medical knowledge and the construction of social, technological, and research environments impact peoples affective experiences, sense of self, and authenticity? When are these impacts unjust?

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

We are delighted to share that the premiere of a co-choreographed dance piece by Moving Bodies Lab researcher Emily Davis and dancers living with multiple sclerosis (MS) has received enthusiastic feedback following its debut at Healing Arts Scotland. Read here: medhumsplatform.org/high-praise-...

medhumsplatform.org

High praise for dance performance at Healing Arts Scotland

The premiere of a co-choreographed dance piece by Moving Bodies Lab researcher Emily Davis and dancers with multiple sclerosis has received enthusiastic feedback following its debut at Healing Arts…

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

📣 Our June newsletter has hit the wires! Find out about our Medical Humanities in Practice Fellows, our new IMH Co-Director, a pioneering research project on self-harm, highlights from The Polyphony and more! Read and subscribe here: mailchi.mp/durham.ac.uk...

mailchi.mp

IMH newsletter: June 2026

News & updates from the Institute for Medical Humanities, Durham University.

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Interested in our MA in medical humanities? There are still a few places left on our Webinar and Taster Session (3 July, 15.00–15.50 BST). Sign up now! www.durham.ac.uk/research/ins...

durham.ac.uk

MA in MedHums Webinar - Durham University

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Durham Institute for Medical Humanities @durhamimh.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

🥼 Our final Lab Coat Lunch is on Wed 8 July! Hear from creator of SOUL PAINT Sarah Ticho @sarahticho.bsky.social. @soulpaint.bsky.social is a virtual reality experience combining 3D drawing, playful embodied interaction & personal introspection 🎨 Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/soul-paint...

eventbrite.co.uk

SOUL PAINT: Where are you feeling?

Lab Coat Lunches 2026 – visual and material practices within and beyond the medical humanities (online)

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