OLDHAM IS hosting the borough’s second TEDxOldham conference with an exciting line-up of speakers from scientists to musicians.
TED is a non-profit internationally known brand that started out in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from the worlds of technology, entertainment and design.
Now TED has created ‘TEDx’ – a series of local, independently organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
At TEDxOldham, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark discussion and connection in a small group.
The roster of speakers includes a leading British space scientist, an associate director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, a video games journalist, a folk singer-songwriter and a charity fashion worker.
Also lined up is Andy Powell, the man behind the Hack Oldham Maker Space in the town centre.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “TED is a brand recognised around the world and we are pleased it is returning to the borough for the second time in three years.
“We’ve lined up some well-known national and local people to speak so we’re sure there will be something for everyone.”
TEDxOldham will take place on Saturday, February 27 in the newly-refurbished performance space in Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre from 10.30am until 4pm. Tickets are priced £5.50 and are available online.
For more information log onto www.tedxoldham.com or social media channels www.facebook.com/tedxoldham and www.twitter.com/tedxoldham
The confirmed speakers include:
Professor Monica Grady: leading British space scientist, primarily known for her work on meteorites. She is currently Professor of Planetary and Space Science at the Open University. She is also a regular contributor on the BBC and has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs
Professor Tim O’Brien: Professor of Astrophysics in the School of Physics & Astronomy at The University of Manchester. He also works as associate director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics. Tim’s research concentrates on the study of exploding stars using telescopes around the world and in space, working across the spectrum from radio waves to X-rays.
Johnny Chiodini: video games journalist and senior video producer for Eurogamer.net. He has been working in the games industry for seven years, during which time his work has earned several award nominations. More recently, he has turned his attention to covering mental health issues with specific reference to video games and their consumers. It is his hope to challenge some of the stigma surrounding mental health and help facilitate more open discussion.
Rebecca Rae: strategist, commentator, lecturer, and internet activist. She is Strategy & Insight Lead at digital agency Reason Digital. Specialising in creative digital strategy that gets tangible results in the charity, fundraising and non-profit sector. Rebecca is also campaigns officer and on the NEC for Pirate Party UK. Named in the ‘Top 30 women under 30 in digital’ in The Drum, Rebecca has worked in the creative and digital sector for over 9 years.
Dr Natalie Butcher: Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Teesside University. Her primary research involves investigating factors that influence our ability to recognise the faces of others. Natalie obtained both her PhD (2009) and her BSc (hons) Psychology (2006) from the University of Manchester, she is a committee member of the British Psychological Society’s Cognitive Psychology Section and has both national and international research collaborators.
Nancy Elizabeth: folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who releases music with The Leaf Label. She is an active member of Sōka Gakkai.
Andy Powell: web developer and founder of Hack Oldham and is the owner of http://www.caffeinatedprojects.com/ which has been building websites since internet was dial up.
Jacqueline Hall: Oxfam Fashion worker
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