Talks and shows

The global origins of science

Reshape our understanding of science’s past and untangle intercontinental science networks with Cambridge University Junior Fellow, Gianamar Giovannetti-Singh

 

Monstera production via Pexals

We’re delighted that Royal Institution Freer Fellow Gianamar Giovannetti-Singh is taking some time out of his research schedule to share some of his discoveries that will reshape our understanding of science's past as he unveils the global networks behind scientific giants. 

Galileo, Newton, Darwin. These may be the first names that come to mind when we think about the history of science, but these individuals were not the towering, isolated figures we might once have assumed. Historians have begun to look more closely at the intercontinental networks these household names in science inhabited. 

By retracing the forgotten links between thinkers and tinkerers worldwide, science historians are beginning to revolutionise our understanding of the origins of science. Their careful unpicking is unveiling a much more exciting, global, and connected picture.

Join Gianamar to learn how contrary to popular accounts about cloistered geniuses in Europe; science has always been fundamentally collaborative and global. From Isaac Newton’s theory of universal gravitation to modern mapmaking, important scientific discoveries and practices emerged globally, shaped by cross-cultural interactions.

 

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Gianamar Giovannetti-Singh

Via Gianamar Giovannetti-Singh

Gianamar Giovannetti-Singh, Lumley Junior Research Fellow in History at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellow, completed a transformative PhD on the impact of the 1644 Manchu conquest on European sciences. Currently, Gianamar's Leverhulme-supported postdoctoral project explores how Europeans, drawing on East Asian knowledge, understood the Cape of Good Hope. Visiting fellowships globally enriched research, including examining Jesuit perceptions in late Ming and early Qing China. Passionate about globalising research, Gianamar's interests span intercultural encounters, Jesuit missions, race, and science studies. Shortlisted as a BBC AHRC New Generation Thinker in 2023, Gianamar is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and was awarded an Ri Freer Prize Fellowship in October 2022.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions