The Art of Curiosity, Southbank Centre

It may have killed the proverbial cat, but in reality, curiosity is a source of innovation and inspiration. An inquisitive attitude motivates scientific discovery and forms the foundation of creative enjoyment. ‘The Art of Curiosity’ is an evening of discussion and enlightenment to explore the wonders of literature and science --and the connection between the two disciplines. Before the announcement of this year’s Wellcome Book Prize, the five judges will discuss the shortlist. The diverse subjects of the six books will provide a catalyst to challenge preconceptions and stimulate debate.

The Wellcome Book Prize celebrates the representation of health and medicine in literature. With a unique cross-genre focus, from fiction to non-fiction, spanning sci-fi, history, crime, romance and medicine, it aims to support scientific enlightenment through literature. The panel of judges reflects such diversity, with former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, television medic Michael Mosley, writer/producer/director James Runcie, journalist and novelist Hadley Freeman and writer-cum-campaigner Lisa Appignanesi. This impressive group will examine the ways in which literature can spark curiosity and the diverse ways it can explore the complex world of medicine.

The shortlist for the Wellcome Book Prize demonstrates a variety of styles and genres through which science can be explored. The diverse titles include Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signature of All Things , an extraordinary fictional exploration of thirst for knowledge in the age of enlightenment; Emily Mayhew’s Wounded , which reflects on medical history as the first compressive account of injuries, treatment and recovery in the Great War; and Oliver Sacks’s Hallucination , a fascinating examination of the mind’s mysterious ways.  

Expect a lively debate and an eye-opening discussion, but don’t be surprised if you leave with more questions that you had when you arrived. The focus is on channelling curiosity, not quenching it.