Renowned and refugeed - 12 scientists who fled persecution
Join this session to explore the histories of 12 scientists who became refugees.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 16 Jun 2025End Date: 16 Jun 2025Mon (Daytime): 12:45 - 14:45In PersonFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £8.00 Concession £7.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This session is part of City Lit’s courses and events marking Refugee Week from 16-22 June 2025.
We are going to look at the achievements of 12 individuals, some of them well known, others less so, who have in common that they were forced to flee their homelands and who nonetheless went on to make significant contributions to science. It is worth considering how much knowledge and understanding would have been lost had they fallen victim to the intolerance from which they fled.
You will recognise some of the names on this list (approximately chronological in order) but come along to find out just what they contributed and learn also about those whose names you do not recognise, but whose achievements you might.
What will we cover?
- Sigmund Freud - keeping an open mind
- Albert Einstein - I would have become a watchmaker
- Karl Popper - the dangers of tolerating intolerance
- Edith Bulbring - pianist and physiologist
- Salome Gluecksohn-Waelsch - I love mice
- Max Perutz - iron in the blood
- Carl Djerassi - from the pill to pest control
- Stephanie Shirley - I need to justify the fact that my life was saved
- George Radda - NMR and MRI
- Emmanuel Dongala - poetic chemist or chemical poet?
- San Thang - let's make some polymers
- Sergey Brin - just Google him ...
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- be able to recognise the 12 individuals from the session as both individuals, scientists and refugees and acknowledge what they contributed
- understand how much knowledge and understanding would have been lost had these 12 individuals fallen victim to the intolerance from which they fled
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This session is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course.
Given the sensitive nature of the topics the session will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This class will be taught through a mixture of lecture, discussion and Q & A.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Dr. Gary Retallick Mathematics and Science Gary obtained his Phd in Philosophy of Physics from Kings College London in 2006. His thesis explored the physics of time, touching upon relativity, field equations, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and metaphysics. Gary began his teaching career in computing, going on to teach philosophy for the WEA and Mary Ward Centre, and physics and mathematics at both Birkbeck College London and the Open University. He currently teaches various science related courses, spanning topics in physics, chemistry and mathematics, at City Lit. Languages - Cornish Aside from his career in Science, Gary has an ongoing interest in languages, in particular Cornish, the language of his ancestors. He began studying Cornish at City Lit in 1998, and after passing the grade three Cornish exam with distinction he started to assist his tutor, Jo P'rhys. After a number of years as language assistant to the class, Gary was formally appointed as teacher of the Cornish beginners class, allowing Jo to concentrate on the higher level classes. Gary now teaches both the beginners and lower intermediate classes.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.