Chickens and People: Past, Present and Future

What do you know about chickens? You know nothing about chickens! And three years ago, neither did we. We didn’t know where they were domesticated or why, how they spread around the world or with what consequences for human culture, diet, health or well-being. But following 3 years of AHRC-funded research, that allowed us to bring together 20 researchers from a variety of different universities backgrounds and disciplines, we now have some answers. And we want to share these findings with you. Through this free one-day conference, we will highlight how the story of chickens is the story of people, charting the spread of global cultures, the rise and fall of ideologies and empires, as well human impact on the planet. We will present tales that intrigue, some that terrify but others that inspire hope – as it is becoming clear that chickens may be the key to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our modern-day communities and cultures.

Come and find out about our research, meet our collaborators, including schoolchildren from the London Academy whose exceptional sculpture and artwork will be on display to help us celebrate the start of the ‘Year of the Rooster’.

Registration is free and will include lunch, beverages and a wine reception will be held in the museum after the conference.