Dundee may have been declared a zombie-free zone by the city council this week, but the prospect of the undead stalking the streets looking for brains to eat has not been entirely ruled out.
The Sensation science centre has decided to host a lecture from an expert in the field, to give the public advice on how to defend themselves from attack.
A spokeswoman said it would allow “concerned residents and politicians get better informed should the worst occur.”
Zombie and vampire fears were raised through a freedom of information inquiry to the council, which said with tongue firmly in cheek that it was not aware of a threat but would update its emergency plan should the situation change.
According to Dr Austin, head of the Zombie Institute for Theoretical Studies at Glasgow University, there is a lot to learn about the undead or, as they prefer to be known, the living disadvantaged.
The good doctor, who only goes by one name, will visit Sensation in October during the Dundee Science Festival to give a presentation on zombie science. He will put forward his controversial theories on what a real-life zombie would be like, the cause of such a disease and importantly how to prevent, cure and contain it.
Dr Austin said, “Over 8000 people have attended one of our 100-plus lectures so far. We’re proud our great nation is becoming a world leader in the field of zombiology, but our task is far from over.”
He is certainly the man with his finger on the pulse or rather the lack thereof of the zombie phenomenon thanks to his Masters in Zombiology, degree in Zombotany, and post of Zombiologist Royal.
The lecture series is supported by the university for its work in helping to inspire young people to learn about science in a fun way.
Mind you, if the responses to this week’s story are anything to go by, it might be worth picking up a few tips on how to defeat the denizens of the night.
One contributor to this site from Miami said, “I feel the council hasn’t taken this risk seriously. While having a risk-based emergency plan, they have chosen to believe that such a risk cannot actually occur.
“Myself and my vampire friends take great delight in this news as we plan on moving to Dundee city very soon…”