OXFORD, U.K. - s4story -- The World Synaesthesia Conference is a joint collaboration between the UK Synaesthesia Association (UKSA) and the American Synesthesia Association (ASA). It brings together scientists and artists from across the globe to share knowledge and experiences of this fascinating trait. The conference takes place from 10 May to Sunday, 12 May, and is hosted by Somerville College, part of the world-leading University of Oxford.

What is Synaesthesia?

People with synaesthesia find that sensory experiences such as words, sounds, or touch can involuntarily trigger another experience, such as colour, space, or taste. For example, listening to music might create visions of shapes or colours, and some synaesthetes can taste sounds.

• Synaesthesia is experienced by significant numbers of people globally. Research suggests that at least 4% of the population may have one or more of the 75 reported forms of synaesthesia.
• Many artists and musicians have synaesthesia, including the artist David Hockney, actor Geoffrey Rush, Tori Amos, Billy Joel, Pharrell Williams, and Lorde.
• Some synaesthetes go through life not realising they perceive the world differently from others around them.
• Once understood, synaesthesia is generally considered a positive experience with some associated benefits, such as enhanced memory recall.

The Oxford Synaesthesia Conference

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The three-day event, which features more than 50 speakers from respected global Universities alongside musicians and artists from over 22 countries, is the foremost event for sharing new research and building global knowledge of synaesthesia. The conference is open to all interested in and wanting to know more about synaesthesia.

The full list of speakers and research UKSA – UK Synaesthesia Association

James Wannerton, President of the UK Synaesthesia Association, said:
"We are delighted to celebrate 'World Synaesthesia Day' at the Joint UKSA and ASA conference hosted by the University of Oxford - It gives us a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest groundbreaking research and hear the experiences of a worldwide community of Synaesthetes. We strive to grow global awareness and a greater understanding of synaesthesia and create a network of support and knowledge for everyone discovering and exploring their unique synaesthetic experiences."

Carol Steen, Co-Founder and President of the American Synaesthesia Association, said:
"The ASA was founded in 1995 to promote awareness of synesthesia and facilitate connections between those who experience the world through joined senses and those who research the phenomenon. Back then, little was known about synesthesia. Now, nearly 30 years later, much research is being done. The ASA is delighted to join with the UK Synaesthesia Association in a global conference in Oxford this May to explore synesthesia: how synesthetes see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. This unique conference features synesthetes, scientists, artists, musicians, and historians."

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Notes for Editors

1. Northern Irish painter and synaesthete Jack Coulter has given permission to use an image of one of his paintings as the main image for the conference. The painting illustrates Jack's interpretation of Patti Smith's song 'Gloria'