Mindstruck Institute at Glastonbury 2024

Mindstruck, City, University of London and Professor Gillian Forrester’s Me, Human team were part of the Science Futures at Glastonbury 2024 with a pitch focused on medicinal mushrooms. Trudi, Chris and Gemma developed a public engagement demo that included a commissioned artistic sculpture of a range of medicinal mushrooms, mushroom themed games, poster materials and information designed to be accessible and fun. We were also delighted to introduce “Mufasa” to Glastonbury – a beautiful real-life Lion’s Mane specimen that generated a huge amount of interest and awe! Special thanks to Chris for sourcing our centrepiece!

Mindstruck was also featured in a number of events on the Laboratory Stage in Science Futures.

Gemma and Chris took part in a fascinating panel discussion hosted by BBC’s Justin Rowlatt titled “The science and magic of medicinal mushrooms”.

Trudi and Justin Rowlatt took part in an expert panel discussion on Eco-anxiety highlighting the need for self-compassion, resilience and hope along with climate literacy and small, yet meaningful, community-based actions. Justin also hosted a discussion with Trudi and Kat Mansoor on her incredibly moving film “Lost and Sound” with a focus on the significant impact of hearing loss, the search for a different relationship with music and the neuroscience of music.

Trudi also delivered science-based mindfulness sessions that combined experiential guided mindful practices with a discussion about the underpinning neuroscientific mechanisms that lead to sustainable neurobiological and psychological changes.

The impact of effective public engagement of science was clear throughout the festival with music lovers, children, parents and people of all ages interacting with knowledgeable and approachable scientists and presenters with a range of accessible, fun, hands-on and informative exhibits. A perfect combination of science and fun that was also thoroughly enjoyed by the Mindstruck team who worked incredibly hard to make the week a great success!

Special thanks to City, University of London for funding our public engagement of science exhibit.