Dr Paul March-Russell, from the Department of Comparative Literature, is playing a key role in LonCon, the 72nd World Science Fiction Convention, in London from 14-18 August.

The World Science Fiction Convention, or Worldcon, is an international event for the entire science fiction community, including fans, writers, artists, editors, academics and dealers. The first Worldcon was held in 1939, and it has been held annually since 1946. This is the third time London has hosted the event.

Paul, who is editor of Foundation: The International Review of Science Fiction, writes: ‘I am delighted to be involved in Loncon3 because it will be a rare opportunity to meet so many people engaged in sf and fantasy. LonCon3 promises to be one of the largest Worldcons ever – it’s a testimony to the vitality of British sf, and its place in world culture. Fittingly, the theme of this year’s academic programme is “Diversity”.’

Paul will be chairing three academic panels and participating in two roundtable discussions over the weekend, including ‘Religion, Spirituality and the Occult in Literature’, ‘The World at Worldcon: The State of British SF’ and ‘Why Are Alien Languages Inherently Human? An Experiment’.

LonCon, taking place at the Excel Centre in London docklands, can be booked for single days or all five days, with discounts for those aged 26 or under. For details, see the loncon3 webpage.