Writers in Residence

The Genomics Forum is fortunate to have two writers in residence, Ken MacLeod and Pippa Goldschmidt, working with us on some exciting projects aimed at connecting the area of genomics to a wider audience.

Over the last 12 months Ken and Pippa have run a genomics short story competition (plans for a 2010 competition will soon be announced), creative writing workshops and public events with The Skinny and Writers Bloc, not to mention our popular Social Sessions events series. 

We also launched  the human genre project an open ended online anthology of writing inspired by genetics and genomics. The site attracts over 1000 visits a month and now hosts over 80 poems and stories by new and established writers. The Forum is seeking further funding to work with visual artists in creating a travelling exhibition of work inspired by genetics and genomics, and an associated series of events to bring together science practitioners, artists, social scientists, the media and public in converstation.

Ken MacLeod is a science fiction writer of international repute. He has written eleven novels and many shorter pieces of fiction and non-fiction. His novels often explore socialist, communist and anarchist political ideas and encompass themes such as divergent human cultural evolution. Ken has a degree in Zoology from Glasgow University, has worked as a computer programmer and has written a masters thesis on biomechanics.
More about Ken's work with the Forum

Pippa Goldschmidt has just received an MLitt in creative writing from Glasgow University and has had short stories published in several different publications. Pippa used to be an astronomer, and has also worked as a policy advisor for both the UK and Scottish Governments on a wide variety of issues, including the regulation of activities in outer space, and homelessness. Much of her writing is inspired by science and she is currently writing a novel about a female astronomer.
More about Pippa's work with the Forum


Web Blog  Pippa is writing a Blog for the Forum on her views of the world of genomics

Ken's blog - The Early Days of a Better Nation