Our fascination with the vampire myth has scarcely diminished since Bram Stoker’s publication of the classic Dracula tale in 1897, but how much of the lore is based in fact and can science explain the origins of horror’s most famous fiend? Dr Kathryn Harkup charts the murky waters of the vampire myth – from stories found in many cultures across the globe to our sympathetic pop-culture renditions today – to investigate how a scientific interpretation may shed light on the fears and phenomena of the vampire myth.
Kathryn Harkup is a former chemist turned author. She writes and gives regular public talks on the disgusting and dangerous side of science. Her first book was the international best-seller A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, which was shortlisted for a Mystery Readers International Macavity Award and a BMA Book Award. Her subsequent books include its follow-up, V is for Venom, Making the Monster: The Science of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and Death by Shakespeare.
- The MAC, 10 Exchange Street, Belfast, BT1 2NJ
- Friday 13th Feb 2026
- 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Cost: £12
- Recommended Age: 14+
More information and booking: https://nisciencefestival.com/events/vampirology-the-science-of-horrors-most-famous-fiend-with-kathryn-harkup
