University’s public lecture series shares insights into inspiring research

What do supramolecular chemistry, movie magazines and unveiling the secrets of blood all have in common? They are just three of the intriguing topics tackled in the University of Brighton’s upcoming inaugural lecture series.

Delivered by newly appointed professors, the lectures will delve into the pioneering research Brighton academics are carrying out to improve understanding of diverse subjects and address challenges facing people and communities in Brighton, across the UK and around the world. Lectures also give insights into how academics become experts in their chosen field.

The lectures are free to attend, and open to staff, students and the general public – but booking is essential. A reception follows each lecture where conversations can continue informally with people from across the university and the wider community.

On 8 May 2024, join Peter Cragg, Professor of Supramolecular Chemistry, as he explores why nature is so much better at performing highly selective chemical reactions than we are, and asks how chemists can develop more effective pharmaceuticals and antivirals. He will examine the interactions between molecular hosts and guests and look at examples where molecules detect nerve agents and, in an unexpected turn, share the discovery of a new class of antifungals.

Journey into the history of the often-fraught relationship between the first movie magazines and the Hollywood studios on 22 May 2024 with Tamar Jeffers McDonald, Professor of Film History. She will shed light on how Hollywood movies from the 20s to the 70s depicted movie magazines and what this reveals about relations between these two co-dependent, but occasionally warring, elements of the Hollywood film industry.

Professor Tim Chevassut, Chair of Haematology, will be unveiling the secrets of blood and exploring how recent advances have brought hope of novel drugs targeted at key genetic mutations, and the likely impact for patients with leukaemia. He will reflect on his contribution as a researcher, educator and physician, touching on the Covid-19 pandemic, juggling life in academia and medicine, and how haematology is, quite literally, in his blood.

You will find details for all inaugural lectures available to book on the University of Brighton open lectures page. If you would like to attend, please register online no later than 48 hours prior to the event.

Find out more about inaugural lectures and explore films from our previous ones for insights into a variety of enthralling research topics.

Professor Peter Cragg
Perfect hosts for molecular guests
Wednesday 8 May 2024 at 6.30pm, Rooms 103 and 104, Elm House, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ

Professor Tamar Jeffers McDonald
Movie magazines and Hollywood: An interdependent history
Wednesday 22 May 2024 at 6.30pm, Sallis Benney Lecture Theatre, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton, BN2 0JY

Professor Timothy Chevassut
Bringing hope to patients with leukaemia: Unveiling the secrets of blood
Wednesday 5 June 2024 at 6.30pm, Chowen Lecture Theatre, BSMS Teaching Building, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9PX