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YIXING TEAPOTS Two master teapot makers from Yixing, China, will demonstrate their techniques during the International Potters' Festival at Aberystwyth Arts Centre (July 14-16). Yixing county on the western shore of Lai Taihu contains some of China's most beautiful scenery which has traditionally attracted poets and artists. Information: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Penglais, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DE. Tel: 01970 622 889.

MODELLING OF BELIEF

As part of the JMU summer professorial lecture programme, Gerry Kelleher, professor of artificial intelligence, will talk about "The Automatic Modelling of Belief" on July 4 at 4.30 pm in Lecture Theatre 137, Byrom Street. Information: Liverpool John Moores University Press Office, 0151 707 1187.

OPEN ACCESS vs. SECURITY

A one-day conference to raise awareness of physical and personal security required in further and ÖйúAƬ institutions has been organised for July 6 at the University of Central Lancashire. Information: J. Johnson, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE. Tel: 01772 892253.

HUMAN, ANIMALS, MACHINES

A workshop on the nature of entities and how the boundaries between them are established and moved has been organised by the University of Bath for July -31. It should also appeal to researchers in artificial intelligence, animal language and learning. Information: Harry Collins, Social Studies Centre, University of Bath, BA2 7AY.

THE GULF

The Centre for Arab Gulf Studies at the University of Exeter will be holding a conference on "ÖйúAƬ in the Gulf: Problems and Prospects", July 10-12. under three broad headings: ÖйúAƬ institutions - how is the western model working after three decades; the national context - including economy and development, relationships with government, social mobilisation; cultural considerations - Islamic and Western cultural traditions, access for women, cultural dependency, national identity.

Information: Centre secretary, Centre for Arab Gulf Studies, Old Library, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, EX4 4JZ. Tel: 01392 264024.