Memory Storage and Retrieval: the Brain vs the Archive

"Memory Storage and Retrieval: the Brain vs the Archive"

How are memories stored and retrieved? This question is important for neuroscientists and archivists. In both types of storage systems - in the brain and in a physical collection of items - it is critical how the information is recorded and later retrieved. In this cross-disciplinary event, we explore the parallels and differences between memories stored in brains vs different types of archives. We discuss the constructive nature of memories; how our records of the past are far from being static, and instead are ever changing their meaning; how the nature of the archive inevitably alters the object, and the memories it represents; and how forgetting occurs in these different types of storage systems. We will discuss where historical archives and brains have similar storage and retrieval processes, and how far the archive metaphor of the brain can be pushed.

The event is a collaboration between two ArtsLabs: Memory Lab and Collections Lab. It will feature three main components:

• a key lecture by Prof. John Sutton of the University of Stirling, where he recently inaugurated the Centre for the Sciences of Place and Memory
• an interactive roundtable discussion of the above ideas together with the audience
• and a hands-on workshop in which the ideas can be explored with exhibits from the University's own collections (requires separate registration, restricted to 25 attendees).

Event Location: Kelvin Hall, Lecture Theatre (ground floor) and Study Rooms

Host or Publisher Memory Lab