‘As Above, So Below’: Twenty first Annual Sophia Centre Conference in Partnership with the Harmony Institute

The University’s Sophia Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture is gathering for its twenty-first annual conference in the splendid surrounding of Lampeter’s Founders Library on 13th-14th July. Over the last two decades the Centre has established a high bar for the examination of cosmology, astronomy and cosmology as features of culture, past and present.

This year’s conference is being held both in person and online, with delegates joining from all over the world.

Sophia Centre Director, Associate Professor Nicholas Campion, said:

“The Centre’s work is a major part of UWTSD’s distinctive work in the Humanities, teaching the renowned MA programme in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology. We are the only academic centre in the world to investigate human engagement with the sky  and the universe. This year’s conference, being our twenty-first, represents a coming-of-age for our work in the University.”

This year’s conference title is ‘As Above, So Below’, explores the many ways in which human beings have applied their views about the stars in their beliefs and practices. The conference is organised in partnership with our academic publishing arm, the Sophia Centre Press.

Our distinguished visiting speakers include Dr Ulla Koch from the University of Copenhagen, one of the world’s leading specialists on ancient Babylonian and Assyrian astrology and divination, Dr Luis Ribeiro from the University of Lisbon, on ‘A Science of Correlations: connecting the celestial and the earthly’, and Dr Graeme Tobyn from the University of Central Lancashire, who will speak about the famous 17th century herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper. We are also delighted to welcome back former UWTSD staff member Dr Fabio Silva, from the University of Bournemouth, one of the country’s leading authorities on Stonehenge and ancient British astronomy.

Conference organiser Dr Frances Clynes said:

“Our annual conference offers a chance for people from far and wide to come and appreciate the magical atmosphere of our Lampeter campus. We are proud that this year’s programme includes distinguished visitors from other Universities, and offers the chance to showcase  some of the best work from our recent graduates. The conference promises to be a truly memorable event.”

For conference information: Dr Frances Clynes: f.clynes@uwtsd.ac.uk

 To study with us: Dr Nicholas Campion: n.campion@uwtsd.ac.uk

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076