Shaping our world

Speakers this term include two key names from the Covid and lockdown era. Former Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister Dominic Cummings will discuss What’s gone wrong with British politics and what to do? in an INISIGHTS public lecture on 20 October. Professor Sir Chris Whitty, former Chief Medical Officer, will deliver a keynote lecture on 16 October at The Catalyst, for A Picture of Health, an NCL in Action event which will also feature Newcastle University academics and alumni. Please note this event is sold out but the waiting list is open.

They are among a wide range of experts and leading figures speaking at the University this Autumn and Winter. 

The University has embraced a new approach to its public events. Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Business, Partnerships explains: “Newcastle University is deeply rooted in our city and region, and our public events programme plays an important role in how we share knowledge and connect with our communities. This refreshed programme showcases the breadth of events taking place across the University, including concerts, lectures and cultural events, creating more opportunities for people to engage with our work, explore new ideas and be part of the conversations shaping our world.”

Critically acclaimed

The Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts' (NCLA) programme will begin with BAFTA nominated film director and Newcastle University lecturer, Dr Tina Gharavi, discussing her experiences making a critically acclaimed version of Virgina Woolf’s Night and Day. She will be joined by the film’s producer Meg Thomson and the event will be chaired by Newcastle University’s Dr Kirsten MacLeod on 7 October.

British Pakastani author Mohammed Hanif will discuss his new novel Rebel English Academy, in conversation with NCLA Director Preti Taneja on 3 December.

On 6 October, Dr Gwenetta Curry from the University of Edinburgh, will deliver the INSIGHTS Black History Month Lecture Beyond recognition: Structural racism and the health of the Black community. Physicist and author Professor Jim Al-Khalili will discuss On Time: The physics that makes the universe tick on 24 November.

A panel of experts will consider the Art of the Retrofit on 29 October at the Farrell Centre; while on 3 December Sheila Spencer, from the Labour Housing Group, Laura Broderick, from the Good Homes Alliance and Dr Emma Ormerod, a Senior Lecturer in Economic Geography at Newcastle University, will discuss a Manifesto for housing.

Throughout the season, talented musicians, staff and students will be performing as part of the Live in the King's Hall concert series. Highlights include the award-winning Rivkala and her esteemed Newcastle band, combining influences of jazz, funk, soul, and klezmer on 1 October.  On Thursday 22 October, Adam Johnson will perform John Cage’s Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano, and 4’33”, while on 10 December Prince Bishops Brass will perform A (slightly) Christmassy Concert.

Further details of Newcastle University’s talks, concerts and events can be found here.