In conjunction with International Women's Day (with speakers from Iran, USA and UK!), this special event invites three 'women in science' to speak about their current work as part of British Science Week 2019:

• Dr. Azadeh Fattahi-Savadjani of Durham University describes herself as an astrophysicist trying to understand how the 'faintest' galaxies form in the Universe, in order to gain understanding about the nature of Dark Matter and test the standard model of cosmology.  
  
• Johanna Weston of Newcastle University is currently researching the role of scavenging amphipods in the ecology of the deepest oceans.
  
• Dr. Laura Greaves of Newcastle University is a senior research associate investigating the role of mitochondrial DNA mutations in ageing stem cells and cancer.
  

This event will be chaired by Maria Goulding.  All welcome.  Book your FREE ticket HERE

Professor Andrew Jackson, of Newcastle University, will discuss optogenetics which involves the use of light reactive proteins, and is providing scientists with a means to understand the brain to a greater level than ever before. This extended session will provide an introduction to a groundbreaking technique and explore how it is being used to try and treat epilepsy.  This will be followed by a hands-on workshop, led by professional local artists, to explore the impact optogenetics may have on individuals and the wider society.

Prof. Jackson is co-principal investigator for the CANDO (Controlling Abnormal Network Dynamics using Optogenetics) project, which aims to develop a cortical implant to improve control of epileptic seizures.  

This session is also part of Brain Awareness Week.

There will be a short lunch break, tea and coffee available, bring your own sandwich.  All welcome.  Book your FREE ticket HERE.

Dr. Peter Vickers, Associate Professor asks "Is science getting at the truth?" In this talk he will explore the issue of how we can identify the scientific theories that will still be with us in a thousand years (if the human race lasts that long!).

Peter describes himself as 'a science-first philosopher of science' caring about science, evidence and truth!

This is a public lecture hosted by JCLLC in collaboration with the Centre for Humanities Engaging Science and Society [CHESS] of the University of Durham.  All welcome.  Book your FREE ticket HERE.