Join and contribute to the The Shapeshifters Symposium; Plasticity – Here, There, and Everywhere !

Plasticity, the ability to be molded in various forms while maintaining a core identity, is a term that is increasingly used within various fields of science, e.g. neuroscience, plant- and cell biology, and within the humanities. However, the meaning and use of plasticity varies between these fields. How are these different usages – from shapeshifting to adaptability, related between disciplines, and how can plasticity be developed into a threshold concept within fields where it is currently not in use?

The Shapeshifters Symposium is a transdisciplinary two-day event that explores the concept of plasticity across academic domains and beyond. We, a group of interdisciplinary scholars, invite researchers, societal stakeholders and artists to come together and question what it means to be a shape within a shapeshifting society, a form within a form – adapting, evolving and mutating, along with its environment. And you are warmly invited to join us!

This event is organised by the Plasticity team, a group of interdisciplinary researchers working on the concept of plasticity, sponsored by the Dutch Centre for Unusual Collaborations. Two panel facilitators will frame the topic of the panel with a statement from the perspective of their background. After that, the conversation will be opened to all people to present ‘fishbowl-style’ – meaning everybody is invited to join (and leave) the available seats on stage and add to the discussion with questions and thoughts.

“We hope to further expand the concept of plasticity across disciplines – and we need your help!” The Plasticity Team

Day One of the symposium, May 30th, consists of four panels that are transdisciplinary in nature: