Campus events champion autism awareness
Two events with high-profile speakers have been held at the Vet School campus to mark World Autism Month.
The campus hosted discussions with TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham and Dr Bayo Akomolafe, a leading philosopher, writer and activist.
An Evening with Chris Packham took place on Tuesday 2 April, and focused on the intersections between autism, compassion, conservation and animal welfare. Watch a recording of the event here.
An Audience with Bayo Akomolafe on 30 March explored how we might view autism from different perspectives. Watch the interview between Dr Akomolafe and Dr Glen Cousquer here.
Renowned speakers
Best known for presenting BBC nature series including The Really Wild Show and Springwatch, Chris Packham is also an Ambassador for the UK’s National Autistic Society.
In 2023, Chris shared his own experience of being diagnosed with autism as part of the BBC documentary series “Inside Our Autistic Minds”.
A celebrated author and speaker, Dr Bayo Akomolafe is regarded as one of the leading post-humanist thinkers and public intellectuals of our time. Dr Akomolafe is currently a lecturer at the Pacifica Graduate Institute, California, and the University of Vermont.
Both events were organised by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee, which issues monthly campus newsletters to raise awareness of upcoming awareness campaigns and events.
Related links
Watch: An Evening with Chris Packham
Watch: An Audience with Bayo Akomolafe
Easter Bush Mental Health and Wellbeing
About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos.
The School comprises:
The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems
The Hospital for Small Animals
The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education
We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.