The Science of Sound
A one-of-a-kind musical takeover day that transforms cutting-edge local research into original music will take place at Dundee Science Centre next week.
As part of a collaboration between University of St Andrews PhD students and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Intersections concert will showcase newly composed works inspired by the environment and exhibits of Dundee Science Centre.
Traditionally held at the University of St Andrews, the free, drop-in event will take place at Dundee Science Centre for the first time, at 3.30pm on Wednesday 6 May 2026. Prior to the one-hour performance, the composers and researchers will introduce their topic. The rehearsal, starting at 10am, is also open to the public.
The Intersections programme, which has been running for many years, pairs composers with PhD researchers who apply to participate from across a range of disciplines. Together, they create original pieces for performers playing a range of instruments, including the flute, bass clarinet, trumpet, horn, violin and cello.
This year, each composition responds to the students’ specific research topics and their relevance to the environment and the exhibits of Dundee Science Centre itself. Featured themes include bat communication, the trustworthiness of AI, black holes, AI in game development and dance and film. The result is an hour-long programme of short, varied pieces, each offering a unique interpretation of complex ideas through sound.
Jill Farrell, CEO of Dundee Science Centre, said, “At Dundee Science Centre, we love to explore the definition of science. It’s about opening minds and prompting questions about how the world works while also breaking down barriers to topics that might, on the surface, feel inaccessible. This concert, a real crossover of science and the arts, is a fantastic example of that, building on a steady stream of collaborations with the University of St Andrews. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in science or music, especially new audiences, to come along, enjoy this free concert, and explore a new perspective on some amazing scientific topics from local researchers.
“The Intersections performance forms part of a wider day of music at the venue, including the RSNO Buggy Choir earlier in the afternoon and an evening rehearsal from the RSNO choir, so it’s fantastic to have this Wednesday musical takeover day!”
Meanwhile, Oliver Searle, Head of Composition, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said, “While the students don’t necessarily need to be musical, they all share something in common, an interest in exploring new ways to communicate their research. Some approach it mathematically, others more abstractly, drawing on cultural or environmental ideas but, ultimately, each collaboration becomes a unique musical response to their research. We’re essentially taking complex subjects and translating them into music. It’s a different way of presenting complex ideas that might otherwise feel impenetrable, so turning them into music can deepen understanding while creating something that’s both powerful and thought-provoking.”
Over recent years, students from nearly every School at the University of St Andrews have taken part in Intersections, demonstrating the breadth and creativity of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr Bede Williams, Deputy Director of Music and Senior Lecturer in Music, explained, “We live in a world where communication is key to connection. That process of sitting down with someone from a different discipline and exchanging ideas is essentially science communication, and that’s what we’re doing here. Seeing what someone from a different discipline makes sense of what you do is an amazing process, while also reflecting wider themes within research that will ultimately lead to a better society.
“For audiences, there are two points of interest – what the music sounds like, and how composers solve the creative challenge of translating research into sound. Both are equally fascinating and hugely enjoyable on the day.”
For more information, visit https://www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk/intersections-2026-to-bring-science-and-music-together-at-dundee-science-centre/
ENDS