|
24 Sep 2025As part of the funded bottom-up initiatives within the Arqus Alliance, Massimo Grassi (University of Padua), together with Erich Schröger (Leipzig University) and Annemarie Seither-Preisler (University of Graz), organise a four-day seminar titled “Science on Stage: Learning to Dramatize Figures, Discoveries, and Ideas.”
This innovative project draws on the rich academic heritage of three key universities in the Arqus network (Leipzig, Graz, and Padua), which have played a pivotal role in shaping psychology as an experimental science. Their pioneers – Wilhelm Wundt, Alexius Meinong, and Vittorio Benussi – were not only influential scholars but also fascinating personalities whose bold ideas, eccentric theories, and dramatic lives make them ideal subjects for dramatisation.
Over the course of four days, participants will explore how to transform scientific figures, discoveries, and abstract phenomena into engaging theatrical narratives. Using the pioneers of psychology as a case study, the program will teach how to transform historical and scientific content into theatrical narratives that can be adapted for public readings, performances, or multimedia formats
Beyond enriching communication skills, this initiative challenges persistent stereotypes surrounding psychology, since the discipline continues to suffer from a widespread stereotype—it is often seen only through the lens of psychoanalysis or clinical psychology, despite its strong roots in experimental and scientific research.
At the same time, it empowers participants to bring scientific discoveries, historical figures, and even abstract concepts into the public sphere in engaging and accessible ways.
From Monday, 19 January 2026 to Thursday, 22 January 2026, in the School of Psychology at the University of Padua (Italy).
Participants are expected to cover their travel and accommodation costs through Erasmus+ mobility grants.
Filippo Bruschi, an independent researcher working in Arts and Literature.
Each day will be organised as follows:
– Morning: 2-hour lecture
– Afternoon: Individual work
No prerequisites are required. Two places are still available, and the selection will be made on a first-come-first-served basis.
Interested participants are invited to contact Prof. Massimo Grassi at massimo.grassi@unipd.it.
