It feels like a very long time ago now, but back in January 2020 (pre-the first UK lockdown), I gave a talk at the University of Birmingham in the Centre for Digital Cultures. The theme 'Researching Digital Culture and Science Fiction' gave me the opportunity to draw together the threads of my research over the last few years, and speak about many topics I've covered in the blog in one form or another, including J.G. Ballard's invisible literature, Computational Economies in History and Science Fiction, and the Transcultural Fantastic.
Niall Gallen - who invited me to Birmingham - produced a write-up of the talk here, which includes some great critical reflections and insights. Niall is a doctoral researcher in the department of English Literature (Birmingham), whose thesis explores Eduardo Paolozzi, J.G. Ballard and contemporary responses to technological acceleration. He is also a committee member of Research/Curate, a network for postgraduate students researching curation, art, or objects within an academic context. His recent projects include co-editing a special issue of Alluvium journal on 'Futurity in Crisis'.
Thanks to Niall for this piece and the original invite to speak. I really enjoyed the conversation with other researchers and students affiliated with the Centre.
