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Plastics, AI, the truth and happiness: Public lecture series kicks off at Brunel

Public lectures 920x540

With plastics due to kill our sea life, and robots waiting in the wings to steal our jobs, the next few years are starting to sound, all round, pretty bleak. But what’s the truth that lies beneath the headlines?

Brunel University London’s new public lecture series, ‘What Lies Beneath?’, aims to shine a light on these pressing and contentious issues at events throughout February, all held on its campus in Uxbridge.

Kicking off with ‘Plastic, Pollution and the Planet – Stemming the Rising Tide,’ the series – which takes place every Wednesday for four weeks – will give acclaimed experts 20 minutes each to present on their area of expertise, in a manner which is both engaging and open to public debate.

Drawn from across the academic spectrum at Brunel, the roster of presenters will include, Professor of Contemporary Thought, Will Self, Professor in Human Toxicology, Andreas Kortenkamp, and Professor Susan Jobling, Director of the Institute of Environment.

Tickets are free and can be booked online, and there will be a cash bar available on the night.

Those unable to attend in person will be able to watch a free live stream, which will be run alongside each event.

Professor Julia Buckingham, Vice-Chancellor and President at Brunel, said: "It’s important that universities continue to ask big questions so that we can tackle the most significant global challenges we face as a society.

"At Brunel we have the expert knowledge – this is a chance to share that knowledge and to amplify debate among a wider audience.”

Register for free online:

 Plastic Pollution and the Planet Stemming the Rising Tide  7 Feb 2018, 18.30 to 20.00  
 Me, Myself and AI – Artificial Intelligence and Human Identity  14 Feb 2018, 18.30 to 20.00  
Trust in the Establishment - A Crisis of Confidence?   21 Feb 2018, 18.30 to 20.00  
Designing (for) Happiness - Space, Solitude and the Senses   28 Feb 2018, 18.30 to 20.00  

 

Reported by:

Tim Pilgrim, Media Relations
+44 (0)1895 268965
tim.pilgrim@brunel.ac.uk