A fascinating exploration of nineteenth century authors and their work will be the first event in the autumn 2007 series of Inaugural Lectures from some of the world’s leading scholars now working at the University of Aberdeen.
A few places are still available for the event on Monday, October 29 to hear Professor Janet Todd, author, literary critic and editor, on the theme of Dead Hands: Jane Austen's manuscripts and other puzzles.
Professor Todd, the Herbert JC Grierson Professor of English Literature, will explore the intriguing question of who possesses past works and dead authors, including whether famous writers are primarily celebrities who should fulfil the public's desires at any particular time in history. Focusing on how evidence from literary manuscripts can conflict with the demands of readers and literary critics, Professor Todd will refer to her innovative research into selected texts by Jane Austen and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The event begins at 6.00pm in King's College Centre on the Old Aberdeen campus, and will be followed by an informal wine reception.
Places are free, and can be booked online via the web: www.abdn.ac.uk/inaugurallectures or by telephone: (01224) 273874.
The Inaugural Lectures 2007 will showcase some of the world's leading thinkers and pioneers who have recently arrived in the North-east from leading universities and institutions around the globe.
The autumn programme will give members of the public a rare insight into the research work of the University by academics who have achieved international distinction in fields as diverse as 19th century literature, global warming, the workings of the human mind, religion and conflicts in the 21st century, environmental engineering, and chronic pain.
Lori Manders, Director of External Affairs at the University of Aberdeen, said: "We are delighted to produce a series of public lectures showcasing some of the ground-breaking work that is taking place at the University.
"For over 500 years, ideas from the University of Aberdeen have travelled the globe, an inspiration to those who seek to change lives and create a better world.
"Today we continue to attract great minds of all ages – professors, lecturers, researchers and students. They come to us because here they are free to challenge the orthodoxies and tread new paths.
"I hope that the Inaugural Lectures will provide members of the public with the opportunity to hear first hand about their ground-breaking work."
A few places are still available and can be booked for the remainder of the series, as follows:
· The geological and societal impacts of climate change in the Asian monsoon
Monday 5 November at 6.00pm in King's College Centre
Professor Peter Clift, a world-recognised geologist who has worked in the UK, Europe and the US, will look at the connection between global climate change, the Asian monsoon, and the human communities of Asia and the planet as a whole.
· Knowing me, knowing you: minds, brains and social cognition (FULLY BOOKED)
Monday 12 November at 6.00pm in King's College Centre
Professor Neil Macrae, a leading psychologist with many publications to his credit and wide experience of working in the UK and USA, will provide an introduction to fascinating research which looks at the role of the human brain in social interaction, including the psychological strategies that people use to understand each other.
· Ireland: enough religion to make us hate, not enough to make us love: religion, conflict and peace in Northern Ireland
Monday 19 November at 6.00pm in King's College Centre
Professor John Brewer, leading sociologist who has worked at Yale, Oxford, Cambridge, and Australian National University, will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of religion as a resource for peace, and whether Northern Ireland is a unique case – or an experience from which other religious conflicts can learn.
· Hydrodynamics of aquatic ecosystems: water, turbulence, life
Monday 26 November at 6.00pm in King's College Centre
Professor Vladimir Nikora, one of the world's leading specialists in freshwater hydrodynamics, who has joined the University from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand, will explore the interactions between water flows and biological communities.
· Chronic pain – is it all in the brain: exploring causes and management
Tuesday 4 December at 6.00pm in lecture theatre 3, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill
Professor Gary Macfarlane, a leading expert in public health and epidemiology, who worked previously in Manchester and Milan, will examine our understanding of what causes people to suffer chronic pain, and current thinking about how this can best be managed.