News

Caf� Scientifique

(15 January 2004)

The University of Durham is pioneering another first for the Tees Valley by launching a brand new monthly event to engage the local community in conversation about current issues in science and technology.

Stockton Café Scientifique is the latest in a growing network of Café Scientifiques in the UK and Europe. It aims to bring together a range of specialist speakers and the general public in a relaxed café setting. Anyone, from sixth formers to senior citizens, can engage with an expert about the latest ideas and trends without the need for a science background!

The initiative has been developed by John Snow College, one of the University of Durham's two colleges at Queen's Campus, Stockton with the support of Arc, The Wellcome Trust and the Café Scientifique network.

Professor Martyn Evans, Principal of John Snow College said:” The founding of the new Colleges at Queen’s Campus has created an opportunity to strengthen the ties between the University and the wider community. This process has already begun with the formation of our College Governing Bodies and Senior Common Rooms but this new initiative is another informal way in which members of the local community are invited to get involved.”

The launch event takes place on Tuesday 20th January with David Milner, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University’s Wolfson Research Institute leading an exploration of our conscious and unconscious vision.

David has published over 100 scientific articles and book chapters as well as six books, the latest of which is: ‘Sight Unseen: An Exploration of Conscious and Unconscious Vision’. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the international scientific journal Neuropsychologia, which now has its editorial office at Queen’s Campus. Café Scientifique will be held each month in Arc’s café atmosphere with doors opening at 7.30 pm for an 8 pm start. The evening will begin with a short introduction from a guest speaker followed by a break to replenish drinks. The floor will then be thrown open to conversation - not just about the technical details but about the impact upon our communities and world.

13 January 2004

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Further Information

Helen Swain, Public Relations Office, University of Durham 0191 334 0017

Notes to Editors

Topics for this year include:-

20 January Sight Unseen: Explorations of conscious and unconscious vision
David Milner - Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Wolfson Research Institute, University of Durham

17 February Access to medical information: public interest vs. privacy.
Louise Parker - Professor of Paediatric Epidemiology, Newcastle University and associate Research Director at the National Institute of Clinical Excellence

16 March Treating nothing with nothing? Constraints on diagnosis and treatment
Pali Hungin OBE - Dean of Medicine, University of Durham, and general practitioner in Stockton

20 April We are what we ate
John Burn - Professor of Clinical Genetics, Newcastle University and Director of the Northern Genetics Service

18 May - Details to be confirmed.

15 June Meeting Energy needs for the 21st Century
Ian Fells CBE - Professor of Energy Conservation, Newcastle University, and energy adviser to the European Community

For further information contact www.cafesci-stockton.org.uk or write to Café Scientifique, John Snow College, University of Durham, Queen’s Campus, Stockton, University Boulevard, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6BH.