The Dana Centre is a blocky little annexe to the Science Museum given over to adult-oriented science events. It’s one of my favourite places to catch a lecture – mostly because it’s got a bar, but also because the centre has a long track-record of putting on unusual events. The event space also serves as a cafe throughout the day, with a good free wifi connection…so it’s a haven for laptop-wielding freelance types.

After a Christmas break, the Dana Centre is gearing up for another round of events. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the more interesting:

Picking up where a recent Wellcome Collection exhibition left off, a five-hour session looks at personal identity (16 Jan). A series of film shorts, talks and a screening of 1971 film Walkabout explore our concept of self.

Chew the fat on 16 Jan with a look at the obesity epidemic. What are the implications for society and the genetic causes of obesity?

A couple of toe-tappers then await. Gaia Cabaret on 19 January sets the ideas of James Lovelock to music. For some reason. Then on 25 January, experts look at how singing can help with wellbeing, particularly for people with neurological disorders.

The folk at Intelligence Squared – a kind of toffo debating society, which puts on regular and excellent events – decamp to the Dana Centre on both 27 January and 22 February, for discussion of philosophy of science and free data access, respectively.

A discussion on 9 February asks who should decide on science funding – politicians and scientists, or the general public. I’m thinking of going along to this – anyone wanna come with me?

Other events in February include discussions on flying drones, climate change apathy, and synthetic biology.

March, meanwhile, offers a psychoanalytic look at dreams, big wild cats, and human tissue typing.

You’re advised to book ahead for any events. But they’re all completely free!

Remember to check the Nature Network London calendar for all upcoming science events…and add your own.