Miasma: Trust, Data and Public Health
Year Awarded
2024
Amount
€253,034
- Organisation:University College Dublin (UCD)
Project Summary
Miasma is an interdisciplinary initiative that uses drama, workshops, debate and online multimedia to provide a contemporary perspective on the scientific conflict surrounding cholera in the 1850s, and thereby illuminate contemporary debates on trust in science, pandemic management, public health and science communications and empower participants to engage in such debates with greater knowledge and confidence. It uses the theatrical experience to communicate scientific method, the basis of data science and the nature and history of epidemics to diverse audiences with limited previous engagement with science.
Commisioned for the first phase of the project, Colin Murphy’s play, Miasma, tells the story of the pioneering use of data analytics in the fight against the cholera pandemic in the 1850s. Phase 1 (2021-22) saw this play researched, developed and given a series of rehearsed readings, accompanied by student workshops and post-show discussions with STEM experts. In Phase 2, we will give the play a full professional production, with a run in Dublin and a tour to key county venues. We will hire an experienced engagement programme director to further develop the programme of accompanying workshops and pre and post-show activities, including expert panel discussions, maximising public engagement and targeting larger-scale participation from community groups and schools. We will also develop re-usable online educational resources, including podcasts for adults and a second level teaching resource. The project will be integrated into EPE activities at SFI Insight Centre to develop capacity among scientists (especially ECRs) to engage with the arts to engage the public.