Professor Robert Winston headlines return of free events at the Lit & Phil

Newcastle College and the Lit & Phil are building on the success of its programme of free public lectures, with a new line up of world-renowned speakers, including scientist and TV personality, Professor Sir Robert Winston. The lectures, which are free to attend, will look at the theme ‘On the Edge’ and explore ideas at the cutting edge of academic research, from urban exploration to robotics and social history to cloud computing. The College teamed up with the Lit & Phil last year and developed a unique partnership which offered local people the chance to see some of the country’s most inspirational speakers for free. Due to the huge interest in the events, both organisations were keen to continue with a new programme for 2014/15. Alongside Professor Winston, the lineup features some of the country’s most eminent speakers in their field, including Professor Paul Watson, Director of the Digital Institute and Professor of Computer Science at Newcastle University Tom McLeish, Professor of Physics and former Pro Vice Chancellor for Research at Durham University and Dr Selina Todd, Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Oxford. The programme kicks off on Thursday 4 December 2014 at 6pm with Dr Bradley Garrett, Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Southampton talking about Bodies, Technology and the Edgework of Urban Exploration. He will be followed by Professor Kevin Warwick, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research at Coventry University on Thursday 8 January at 6pm who explore Cyborgs, Robots with Brains and the Turing Test. Jonathan Eaton, Research and Engagement Manager at Newcastle College, said: “We were overwhelmed by the success of the first programme of public lectures and the fantastic feedback that we received. We are very lucky to have some exceptional speakers supporting the programme and I would urge people to book tickets well in advance.” Kay Easson, Lit & Phil Librarian said “We are looking forward to welcoming these great speakers as part of our collaboration with Newcastle College, and to working with them in the future.” Tickets for the first event are available on a first come, first served basis and can be reserved by visiting the Lit & Phil or by phone or email. Contact 0191 2320192 or email [email protected].