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Academics answer big questions at science festival

Juliette Legler 2
Brunel academics will be telling the truth about fat, pulling apart placebos and focusing on fundamental physics at this year’s Cheltenham Science Festival.

Taking place from 7 to 12 June, the festival attracts thousands of people every year, eager to hear experts in their field talk on some of the biggest questions in science.

This year, celebrated academics including Sir Robert Winston and Sir Richard Dawkins will make an appearance alongside more than 200 shows, talks and workshops.

Professor of Toxicology and Environmental Health at Brunel Juliette Legler will kickstart the university’s involvement on Tuesday 7 June as she discusses the truth about obesity with a panel of experts and chair Michael Mosley, a regular presenter on BBC1’s The One Show.

Two days later, Professor Andrew George, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and International) will explore the value of placebos and delve into the ethics behind using them.

On Saturday 11 June, Professor in Particle Physics Akram Khan will be among a group of experts asked to enlighten the audience on fundamental physics and explain to presenter Jim Al-Khalili why research without a clear practical purpose can be a good use of money.