Well-known science presenter Kathy Sykes, Professor in the Public Engagement in Science and Engineering at Bristol University, will give a lecture next week on communicating about science with the public.

The lecture, entitled Communicating science: We may be talking to the public, but are we listening?, will take place at 5.30 pm on Monday, November 24 in the Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building, Queen's Road, Bristol.

Professor Sykes, only 36 and a Bristol Physics graduate, is recognised for her television appearances on the popular BBC2 science series, Rough Science and other programmes, on the radio and for her work with local schools and At-Bristol.

Kathy was appointed last year as the fifth holder of the Collier Chair and is based in the University's Institute for Advanced Studies.  The Chair commemorates the late Dr John Collier, FRS, FEng, Chairman of Nuclear Electric and a Patron of the University's Campaign for Resource.

Professor Sykes, talking about her lecture, said: "It's crucial for science and for society that we have proper dialogue about the way society uses technologies like GM.  I'll be talking about the need for scientists and the Government to talk with, and really listen to, the public about such issues, with open minds.  I'll argue that we'll end up with better regulations, fairer approaches and wiser decisions if we do, and if we don't, it could be a disaster."

Members of the public will have the opportunity to chat to Kathy after the lecture.  The lecture is free but places must be requested in advance, as numbers are limited.  Please contact Liz Green on tel 928 7939 or email liz.green@bristol.ac.uk

Kathy Sykes is Director of Cheltenham Science Festival and a TV science presenter.  Awarded an Institute of Physics prize for physics communication in 2000 and voted by The Guardian as one of the 50 women to watch in 2003, Kathy regularly gives lectures and workshops and is heavily involved in the communication of science to the public through television, radio, talks and exhibitions.  She worked previously for Explore@tBristol as Head of Science.

Professor Sykes took up her two-year appointment in November 2002.

The first four holders of the post were Professor Peter Cochrane, FEng, Head of BT Laboratories Advanced Research; Dr Sally Duensing, Assistant Director Science and Museum Liaison, the Exploratorium, San Francisco; Sir Neil Cossons, OBE, Director of the Science Museum; and Professor Richard Fortey, FRS, palaeontologist at the Natural History Museum.