Healing histories | Exhibit
About this Event
This exhibition is a small, self-guided exhibit. During opening hours between 12:00-18:00, it is a drop-in exhibit from Saturday 5 - Sunday 13 September.
About the exhibition
Perceptions of what is considered knowledge and whose contributions are recognised have long been shaped by power.
European colonialism left a lasting legacy of Eurocentric bias, often overlooking or undervaluing contributions from Africa and other parts of the Global South. As universities increasingly examine the colonial legacies embedded in knowledge production, teaching and research, these questions are becoming more important than ever.
This interactive exhibition celebrates often-overlooked individuals, communities and cultures from Africa whose contributions have influenced major medical and scientific breakthroughs. The displays will also showcase ongoing decoloniality initiatives across Scottish universities and institutions, including efforts to diversify curricula and research practices.
The exhibition will be open to view for the duration of the Curious festival and tickets are valid at any time on the day booked.
Roundtable
This exhibition has a talk alongside it on Wednesday 9 September. If you would like to book tickets or find out more, you can
Important points to note
- This event is suitable for age 16+
- Event format: This exhibition is a self-guided exhibition. During opening hours, it is a drop-in exhibit.
- Content warning: This exhibition includes themes of coloniality, empire and decoloniality.
- Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.
EXHIBITION CURATOR
Dr Samuel Owusu Achiaw
Research Associate, University of Glasgow
Dr Samuel Owusu Achiaw is a researcher with a clinical background in the Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment Unit at the University of Glasgow. In addition to his research, he is actively engaged in decolonial work, including initiatives to decolonise the curriculum.
About the Curious festival
The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 5 − Sunday 13 September 2026!
Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self! With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.
You can check out the full programme of events here.
Accessibility
We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact [email protected]. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website.
- Step-free access: Ramped access for visitors is available via 26 George Street through Lakeland. Upon arrival, please call 0131 240 5000 and a member of staff will meet you and guide you to the event. Please note that the entrance ramp has a steep gradient (1:12).
Privacy Policy
Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.
Newsletter
If you would like to receive information from the RSE on upcoming events and activities, you can subscribe to our newsletter here.
Please visit the RSE FAQs page for further details about venue and events.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
