Distinguished speakers

The Professor of Epidemiology at University College London (UCL), will be in conversation with Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health for Gateshead and Newcastle, and Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement and Place at Newcastle University, on Tuesday 30 September.

A Past President of the World Medical Association, Professor Sir Michael Marmot has led research groups on health inequalities for over 40 years. He is Director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity. His talk will include discussions about how Newcastle’s designation as a ‘Marmot City’ could lead to reductions in health inequalities and improved outcomes for children and families in the North East.

Professor Sally Shortall, co-chair of INSIGHTS Public Lectures said: "We are delighted to once again bring distinguished speakers to Newcastle University to discuss wide-ranging topics, beginning with health inequality, to issues facing rural communities and even how animals heal themselves."

Societal and political

On 14 October, Jason Arday, Professor of Sociology of Education at Cambridge University, will give the Black History Month Lecture: Sign o’ the times.

He is the youngest Black person to be appointed to a professorship at Cambridge.  In his talk, Professor Arday will discuss the current societal and political perspectives on racism and its impact on the higher education (HE) sector. 

Award-winning artist Uta Kögelsberger will discuss her exhibition, Some Kind of Love, on 18 November to mark the centenary of University’s Hatton Gallery. Uta is Professor of Practice, Fine Art, at Newcastle University and the exhibition explores the intricate connections between human and ecological systems amid environmental change.  It is on show at the Hatton Gallery until 24 January 2026.

Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive, Scottish Land & Estates, will deliver the Cameron-Gifford Lecture: Rural relationships: The changing dynamics between landlords and tenants, and between communities and rural business.

She will consider the shifting connections between landlords and tenants, as well as between rural businesses and the communities they serve. From changes in land ownership and tenancy models to the growing influence of environmental and economic pressures, these evolving relationships are reshaping the social and economic fabric of the countryside. The lecture will consider not only the impact within Scotland but also in the North of England.

Live in the King's Hall

The new season of Live in the Kings Hall concerts is now underway. Highlights include Pete Tanton and the Cuban Heels, who will perform Cuban, Bossa Nova and Mariachi vibes, on 9 October.

On 16 October, The Exu will forge an unfiltered path through jazz and beyond, drawing on free jazz, grunge, death metal, hip hop, bebop, and experimental music.

Award-winning Shetland born harpist Sophie Rocks will celebrate her new record, This Illusionment on 13 November. A modern take on the classical harp, it features new commissions from Scotland-based composers Richard Greer and Romy Wymer alongside works by Canadian composers, Caroline Lizotte and John Weinzweig.  Sophie will interweave these with original harp works and traditional music from the Shetland Islands.

Live in the King’s Hall concerts take place at 1.15pm on Thursdays and are free to attend. Student performances also take place at 4pm on Thursdays.

Unless otherwise stated, INSIGHTS public lectures are held in-person in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, NE1 7RY. All events a free and open to all, but pre-booking is required. Bookings for lectures will open at 10.00am one week before the event.

Details of the full programme of INSIGHTS public lectures are available here.