Legendary sci-fi author to attend annual KU symposium
LAWRENCE — Sci-fi fans rejoice: The annual Sturgeon Symposium at the University of Kansas is right around the corner — and this year’s conference will feature a very special guest.
The event, now in its third year, will take place over two days, Oct. 24-25, both virtually and in person at the Hall Center for the Humanities.
Hosted by KU’s J. Wayne & Elsie M. Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction, this year’s theme is “Stars in Our Pockets: Celebrating Samuel R. Delany.” As the subtitle indicates, the symposium will focus on the works and legacy of Samuel “Chip” Delany, the groundbreaking sci-fi writer of such works as "Babel-17," "The Einstein Intersection" and the "Return to Nevèrÿon" series, among many others. Delany will be in attendance for both days of the symposium, where he will participate in discussions and be recognized for his lasting influences on science fiction, speculative fiction and literary criticism.
The symposium also will feature the annual presentation of the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award for best published science fiction short story, which will be given to R.S.A. Garcia for her story “Tantie Merle and the Farmhand 4200.” In addition to a reading by Garcia, there also will be scholarly panels, roundtable discussions and creative writing readings. Several KU faculty, staff and students will participate in the panels alongside experts from all over the continent.
Phillip Drake, director of the Gunn Center, said he was especially excited about the famous author’s participation in the two-day event.
“Delany’s influence is beyond measure,” Drake said. “I’m particularly excited that his visit will create opportunities for KU students to interact with him.”
This year’s symposium requires registration. Tickets are $25 and include lunch, reception and a T-shirt. A fee waiver ticket option is available for students or those with financial need.
For more information, including how to register, visit the Sturgeon Symposium website.