Curating Experiences That Illuminate the Power of Light
Explore Shelley James’ curatorial projects that bring the science, art, and impact of light to life – inspiring audiences to see lighting in a whole new way.
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Lighting Curated for Education, Inspiration, and Change
Beyond consulting and speaking, Shelley curates exhibitions and educational programs that showcase the transformative power of light.
Her curatorial work bridges:
Science and Art
Translating research into engaging visual experiences
Design and Wellbeing
Highlighting how lighting choices shape health and performance
Education and Public Engagement
Making lighting science accessible to everyone
Featured Projects
Shelley curates impactful projects that merge science, sustainability, and public engagement to spark meaningful change.
Innovators in Healthcare April 2025
Exploring if circadian lighting improves health and investment value.
Innovators in Healthcare April 2025
This is the third in the series bringing together scientists and residential healthcare providers to share different perspectives on the impact of lighting on resident and staff health and well-being – and ultimately to answer the question: does circadian-aware lighting work, and is it a good investment?
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Innovators in Healthcare October 2024
Second event on real-world use of circadian lighting in healthcare.
Innovators in Healthcare October 2024
This was the second in the series bringing together scientists and healthcare providers to share the underlying principles and real-world applications for circadian-aware lighting. Speakers are featured in the order of appearance – click below to listen to the recording, a brief clip and download the transcript.
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Innovators in Healthcare March 2023
First event connecting scientists and innovators proving circadian lighting works.
Innovators in Healthcare March 2023
This was the first in a series sparked by dozens of conversations with lighting manufacturers who endlessly complained that ‘nobody’s actually buying this circadian lighting stuff’.
Scientists were often working in isolation from the real world where their discoveries come to life.
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Common Ground, Round Table May 2023
Common Ground, Principles and Practice for Lighting in Residential HealthCare Oxford 11 May 2023
Common Ground
This one-day event was hosted at Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at Oxford University on the 11 May 2023.
This event, convened by Dr Shelley James and John Bullock brought together scientists, Residential Care providers, lighting designers and manufacturers to explore the common ground between these complementary perspectives.
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Drivers for Change panel debates
Online debates exploring lighting’s role in ESG-driven industry change.
Drivers for Change panel debates
An ongoing series of online panel debates with leading voices from across the value chain for lighting to pose the question: what are the current drivers for decision makers? Could the potential for lighting to improve environmental, social and governance performance hold the key to driving the changes we all want to see?
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Luna Teens: social media campaign about light & wellbeing
Luna Teens: Reached 2.5M+ raising light and wellbeing awareness.
Luna Teens: social media campaign about light & wellbeing
A social media campaign for teens that has reached 2.5 million young people around the world to raise awareness of the impact of light on health and wellbeing.
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Luna Pro: the business case for healthy lighting
Luna Pro: Engaging 15K+ pros on healthy lighting’s business value.
Luna Pro: the business case for healthy lighting
A social media campaign and series of lectures and trade magazine articles that have reached over 15,000 professionals to raise awareness the business case for healthy lighting.
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Interviews
Expert interviews on lighting’s impact on health, performance, and profit.
Interviews
Interviews with scientists, manufacturers and business leaders about how lighting affects the brain and body – and how it can improve performance for people, for planet and for profit.
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Blog
Weekly blog with lighting science updates, trivia, and podcasts.
Blog
I write a round-up of the latest scientific articles and light-related trivia every week. Read past editions here. And sign up to receive your copy here.
I am also invited to appear on podcasts and occasionally host a series myself.
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An Approach That Combines Science, Storytelling, and Strategy
Whether it’s an international exhibition, industry report, or public engagement event, Shelley curates with purpose – illuminating the role of light in shaping human health and experience. Shelley’s curatorial approach is grounded in:
Scientific Rigor
Ensuring every exhibit is evidence-based and credible
Clear Communication
Translating complex concepts into accessible narratives
Creative Vision
Designing experiences that engage and inspire diverse audiences
Strategic Impact
Aligning exhibitions with broader wellbeing, sustainability, and education goals
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Looking for a Curator Who Combines Science, Design, and Impact?
Contact Shelley to discuss curating your next exhibition, event, or educational program on light and health.
/ Proven Global Influence. /
Impact That Resonates
Shelley’s curated projects have reached thousands worldwide — sparking conversations, influencing policies, and inspiring lasting improvements in health, design, and education. Shelley’s curated projects have:
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Reached thousands of professionals, educators, and the public -
Elevated the conversation around lighting and health in global forums -
Inspired design, wellbeing, and education initiatives that create lasting change
Trusted by leaders in productivity,
healthcare and education
” A great session !- super-practical and full of cool facts too, the conversation was really interesting and engaging at all times. The session was over booked
and the room was packed with colleagues from every level in the organisation. We all left with a better sense of what might work better for ourselves and other people, we learnt about the impact and importance of light exposure and how this is related to our mental and physical health. … The session with Dr. Shelley was enlightening and my colleagues came away buzzing and excited to put some of the tips into practice at home and in the office. “
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Andrea Burnett
Executive Director, Santander
We have loved working with Shelley: we value especially her rigour and generous-spirited creativity. She literally sheds light on the subject of human thriving and wellbeing – people go away from her sessions with a host of new illuminating insights.
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Tracy Camilleri
Co-founder Thompson Harrison, Associate Fellow at Oxford University Said Business School (OSBS)
Working with Dr. Shelley James was a great experience. While she has the knowledge of a researcher, she has the time management skills of a business person. Always professional, courteous, knowledgeable–and on time!
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Randy Reid
Editor, The Edison Report
Shelley advanced the role of lighting in a compelling way — touching on wellbeing and productivity, and how light can improve sleep, resolve conflict, reduce back pain and support shift work.
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Jeremy Myerson
Director, WorkTech Academy
I first met Shelley when she launched her Luna Golightly campaign. Since then we have found numerous ways to collaborate and what fun it is. With me being firmly and squarely in the commercial and technical segment of the lighting industry, it’s wonderful to work with Shelley as she brings deep knowledge of the latest and historical science and research related to light and lighting, along with a sharp mind and eye for creating actionable insights. Her industry reputation and credibility precede her and she is a proper team player who conducts herself with integrity. These qualities combine to make Shelley a formidable commercial partner and industry colleague.
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Pete Earle
UK Marketing Director, Kumux
I had heard about Dr. Shelley James, affectionately known as ‘The Light Lady,’ even before assuming my role at The Lighting Industry Association. Renowned as a trusted academic in our field, she has a remarkable ability to distil complex lighting concepts into clear, relatable insights for a much wider audience.
Her wealth of research and expertise in quality lighting, particularly its impacts on health and well-being, is an invaluable resource to The LIA.
It’s always a delight to meet her at industry events and experience the warmth and professionalism she brings to those she organises. Her commitment to improving the industry and advancing the understanding of lighting’s role in our lives is truly inspiring.
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Ayça Donaghy
CEO, The LIA
Dr Shelley James is a great addition to the design team. In her work, she considers not just the lighting proposals but also the wider implications of the project, such as energy efficiency, inclusive design, and the building users’ well-being.
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Zane Putne
SEND Director, Noviun Architects
Book Shelley for Your Next Event
Deliver a keynote or workshop that enlightens, inspires, and drives real change in your organisation.