Poetry in motion: 神马福利影片 commemorates 60th Anniversary with new legacy poetry trail
The power of poetry meets scientific research, as the 神马福利影片 announces the unveiling of a new Poetry Trail to coincide with World Poetry Day (21 March).
The trail, which will become a lasting legacy of the University鈥檚 60th anniversary celebrations, features fourteen poems by award-winning poet and musician Sujatha Menon. Each of the poems was inspired by (largely) female researchers and technicians across the School of Life Sciences. Menon spent a year-long residency as the department's first poet-in-residence, commissioned by Professor Emeritus Kevin Moffat, a former Director of Outreach. It was during this time she wrote her new collection, Microscopia published by Pindrop Press.
The poems will be permanently displayed as a trail through the University's ancient bluebell woods and paths near Gibbet Hill, transforming a walk in nature into a celebration of literature, biology, and wellbeing. Visitors can explore the University's scientific research in a new and creative way, celebrating the power of poetry to inspire, connect, and reflect diverse perspectives.
Professor Miriam Gifford, Head of School from鈥嬧�� the School of Life Sciences, comments, 鈥淏ringing these poems to life has been a process fuelled by imagination, bringing all kinds of creative ideas into both our labs and our conversations. The trail is a unique opportunity for the Warwick community to engage with scientific research through the voices, stories, and discoveries of female academics, technicians, and researchers.
"We鈥榲e loved the opportunity to bring science and art closer together on campus - the collaboration has opened our eyes to the powerful ways the two interlink.鈥�
Each poem reflects the voices, stories, and discoveries of female researchers and technicians, at the University. Visitors can expect thought-provoking themes, from "skinning spells" to "talking in the rhizosphere" and "hydrosapien neuropathies", offering a poetic reflection on science and the human experience.
Poet in Residence, Sujatha Menon, adds 鈥�I鈥檝e always been fascinated by science 鈥� it鈥檚 in my blood. I come from a family of doctors, I鈥檓 trained in complementary medicine, and my work as a health practitioner has deepened my interest in science. Collaborating with the 神马福利影片 has been a wonderful way to explore how science and poetry can speak to each other.
鈥淎s Poet in Residence since 2022, I鈥檝e been passionate about finding new ways to engage people with research 鈥� to look at it differently, through metaphor, emotion, and storytelling. It felt especially meaningful to create Microscopia to commemorate Warwick鈥檚 60th anniversary year 鈥� a point in time to celebrate the University鈥檚 visionary spirit, its commitment to igniting curiosity and embracing creativity. Warwick is more than an institution 鈥� it's a place for discovery, connection and inspiration. I hope many people will come and enjoy the walk of words on campus.鈥�
The Poetry Trail鈥檚 legacy highlights the University鈥檚 commitment to creativity and innovation and will help to open up new ways of understanding science. The new trail will be accessible to the public and free to experience.
21 March 2026