Led by experts from across the institution, the lunchtime talks will provide members of the public with an insight into some of the world-class research that takes place on their doorstep.
The first talk, ‘Tackling poverty in the UK’, presented by Dr Eldin Fahmy from the School for Policy Studies, will consider how attitudes to poverty in the UK have changed over time. Dr Fahmy, said: “Recent years have witnessed an increasing commitment to tackling poverty, both in the UK and globally. However, despite such commitments the gap between the rich and poor, and between rich and poor countries, continue to increase.” Dr Fahmy will also discuss how we can help eliminate poverty in the UK and in the 21st century. This talk takes place on Wednesday 17 October.
In the next talk, ‘The secret chemistry of almost everything’, Professor Neil Allan from the School of Chemistry, will explore the ‘secret’ chemistry that surrounds us, by exploring how chemistry underpins the advanced technologies that affect our everyday lives. This talk takes place on Wednesday 24 October.
At any one time, some 60,000 children and young people in England are living away from their families and are in the care of local councils. Some return home, but others are away more permanently. Many do not do well at school, with few going on to university. As a result the care system is often criticised for failing the children it looks after.
Professor David Berridge from the School for Policy Studies has been studying these issues for almost 30 years. His talk, ‘Children in care: system failure or lack of understanding?’, will look at the issues and research evidence surrounding these children and their longer-term prospects. This talk takes place on Wednesday 7 November.
In the final talk, ‘Energy and environment’, Karen Gallagher from the University’s Energy and Environmental Management Unit, will suggest ways in which people can save money, energy and the environment, both at home and work. Karen will also explain what the University is doing to reduce the environmental impact of its activities. This talk takes place on Thursday 6 December.
The interactive talks are organised by the University’s Community Engagement Team, based in the Centre for Public Engagement. All talks take place from 1 to 2 pm at Broadmead Baptist Church, Whippington Court, Bristol. No pre-booking is necessary and members of the audience are welcome to bring their sandwiches.