‘Explosive’ university lecture showcases greatest accidental discoveries

​Adam Hart, Professor of Science Communication, presents ‘Accidental Genius – the Science, Clumsiness and Luck of Discovery’ at the University of Gloucestershire’s annual Christmas Lecture.

Held at Oxstalls campus in Gloucester on Wednesday 13 December, Adam will reveal how some of science’s greatest discoveries were created by mistake.

With explosive practical demonstrations from the Cheltenham Science Group, audiences will discover how some of the world’s greatest inventions, including dynamite and the microwave oven, were born out of luck or carelessness.

Professor Adam Hart is dedicated to research on entomology, ecology and citizen science. Adam also presents documentaries for BBC Radio 4, BBC4 and BBC2, as well as the weekly BBC radio programme Science in Action. In 2015, he authored the popular-science book The Life of Poo about our complex relationships with bacteria.  

Professor Adam Hart said:  “I’ve always been a bit clumsy around the lab so to find out that so many significant discoveries came about by accident gives me hope. With a series of entertaining and surprising demonstrations by the Cheltenham Science Group and some audience participation thrown in, I hope this will be a fun and informative lecture in the run up to Christmas. Given my clumsiness, I am also hoping not to set fire to anything!”

Admission to the lecture is free, but tickets need be reserved in advance. The talk is from 6pm at LC003, Oxstalls campus, 13 December, with refreshments available from 5pm.