Psychology academics contribute to the Wellcome Collection’s ‘Season of Sexology’

It showcases the contributions of pioneers of sex research, including Magnus Hirschfeld, Sigmund Freud, Marie Stopes, Alfred Kinsey, and Masters and Johnson, and highlights how attitudes towards sex have changed dramatically from the late 19th century to the present.

An illustrated book featuring more than 300 images and invited essays has been published and Dr Cynthia Graham, a world-renowned expert in sexual and reproductive health, was asked to contribute an essay for the book on “Sexual Science in the 21st century”, charting the development of sexology and sexual medicine.

The Institute of Sexology exhibition is part of a larger sexology season of activity across the UK. One of these activities is the 'Songwriting Experiment' for young people aged 16-19 that combines sex research with songwriting.

Young people involved are conducting their own research, guided by researchers in the field, and their findings will be used to inspire their songwriting. The Centre for Sexual Health Research at the University of Southampton was the first of the five research hubs that were chosen by the Wellcome Trust to be involved in this project.

Professor Roger Ingham and Dr Graham are working with the award-winning organisation, Music Fusion, based in Havant, and a group of young people on this exciting project. An evening at The Roundhouse in London is scheduled in February to showcase the material and selected performances will feature in the Wellcome exhibition described above.

The ‘Institute of Sexology’ exhibition is free and open to the public for the next twelve months. For more information, see http://www.wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/institute-sexology

For information about Music Fusion, visit:
http://www.musicfusion.org.uk/index.htm