Our Changing World lecture series
Join us for a series of public lectures examining the global challenges facing society, and the role of academia in meeting these challenges.
There is a growing recognition across the world of the urgency of tackling a range of difficult, complex and inter-related issues that impact human wellbeing.
These issues include food, energy and water security, the spread of infectious diseases, developments in technology and medicine, and climate change.
The series, delivered by distinguished speakers, will focus on the contribution academia can make to understanding and addressing these global challenges.
Enlightenment lecture by Jon Snow
A highlight of the events will be the final lecture, presented by broadcaster and journalist Jon Snow on 19 November.
This event is also the next lecture in our renowned Enlightenment lecture series.
Enlightenment lectures - video and audio
Book online
These events are FREE but you must book to attend.
Your e-ticket will will emailed to you - please print and bring this with you to the event.
Times and venues
The lectures will be held on Tuesday evenings, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Lecture Theatre 4, Appleton Tower, 11 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9LE.
Jon Snow's lecture will be held on Friday 19th November, from 6pm to 7.45pm, in McEwan Hall, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG.
Programme
Global challenges: the perfect storm?
Professor Paul van Gardingen, UNESCO Chair of International Development and Executive Director: The University of Edinburgh International Development Centre.
Tuesday 28 September 2010, 6.30pm
Tuesday 28 September 2010, 7.30pm
Climate change: past, present and future
Professor Gabriele Hegerl, Professor of Climate System Science, The University of Edinburgh
Tuesday 5 October 2010, 6.30pm
Tuesday 5 October 2010, 7.30pm
Climate change: the solutions
Dr David Reay, Programme Director, MSc in Carbon Management
Tuesday 12 October 2010, 6.30pm
Tuesday 12 October 2010, 7.30pm
Population: how much of a problem?
Professor Roger Jeffery, School of Social and Political Science, The University of Edinburgh
Tuesday 19 October 2010, 6.30pm
Tuesday 19 October 2010, 7.30pm
One world one health - from rhetoric towards reality
Professor Sue Welburn, Professor of Medical and Veterinary Molecular Epidemiology
Tuesday 26 October 2010, 6.30pm
Tuesday 26 October 2010, 7.30pm
One world one health - from rhetoric towards reality - Video
The invisible enemy: microbes and us
Professor Dorothy Crawford, Robert Irvine Professor of Medical Microbiology and Assistant Principal for Public Understanding of Medicine
Tuesday 2 November 2010, 7.30pm
Tuesday 2 November 2010, 8.30pm
Are stem cells the future of regenerative medicine?
Professor Siddharthan Chandran, Director of the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research. Professor Charles ffrench-Constant, Chair of Medical Neurology, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh
Tuesday 9 November 2010, 7.30pm
Tuesday 9 November 2010, 8.30pm
A changing media in a changing world - entering the golden age of journalism, or leaving it?
Jon Snow, Journalist and broadcaster.
Friday 19 November 2010, 7.00pm
Friday 19 November 2010, 8.45pm
New course for first-years
These lectures also form the basis of a new, interdisciplinary course for first-year students at Edinburgh.
This optional course aims to engage our students to:
- think about these global challenges across traditional subject boundaries
- understand the relevance and impact of their own subject discipline in the broader context
Social responsibility and sustainability
The University ensures that social, ethical and environmental concerns influence its decision making and the way it operates day to day.
We were recently ranked as third best in the UK's higher education sector for environmental and social responsibility.
Contact details
For more information on these events, please contact Dr Sutherland Maciver.
Notes
These events will be photographed and recorded for promotional and recruitment materials for the University and University approved third parties.
Image courtesy NASA.