Malta: Research, learning and dancing

 So, an update from my blog where I talked about heading over to Malta for a research conference; I said I might, and I did. I danced. Barefoot, under the full moon, and then I swam, with beautiful mermaid like homeopaths, in the sea as the moon shone on us. And I felt blessed that there are people doing the work that is being done out there. I danced on the same dance floor as some remarkable people (to be fair I think all people are remarkable, but on this occasional these were doing remarkable research-y things).

From Stephan Baumgartner, who got interested in homeopathy at the age of 17, and decided that he had to study in a different field to try and be able to explain how it worked, so undertook a PhD in physics, and now supervises and researches; to his students, full of life, enthusiasm and interest for the topic and their research. From Alex Tournier, previously involved in research for a large UK organisation now heading up the Homeopathy Research Institute, to Peter Fisher who is The Queen's doctor and is active in working with and supporting homeopathic research. From Liz Thompson, working tirelessly in Bristol supporting patients with cancer (and other chronic conditions) - one of them being my sister, to Emma Marcías-Cortes presenting on depression and homeopathy having done the study within a hospital setting in Mexico. Doctors all of them. Whether PhD or medical doctors, all with higher qualifications, intelligent, enquiring minds and wonderfully curious natures.

Not, that is, that everyone attending was a doctor or had a doctorate, nor was there any feeling that everyone should have. It was an inclusive event of everybody and the spirit of co-operation was high between all. The feeling that we need a global conversation, to help and assist homeopathy in its growth and development was a strong one.

To be amongst the people there, amongst the research going on and being presented all weekend was a privilege and an honour. The conference, much of it organised by Rachel Roberts (who also during the conference presented an in-depth analysis of the shockingly flawed Australian Report into homeopathy) and Simon Wilkinson-Blake, with help from others, stood out as a fabulous event. An incredible, seafront venue, excellent hotel, amazing service. Presentations were of high quality and intriguing, and the feeling to come away with was priceless. The connections made between other homeopaths working around the world was so valuable.

There'll be more updates available on the conference as time goes by - do keep an eye out on the Homeopathy Research Institute page (which is well worth exploring anyway, for anyone, particularly for more sceptically minded readers of this blog), and on their Facebook page. And for homeopathic colleagues, I'd pop a note in your diary for London 2019 which will be the next HRI conference. 

Em :)

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