Can the food we eat really make us smarter?

Is food processing a problem or a solution? Can science help us improve our understanding of ancient Irish manuscripts?

These and a variety of other questions are to be answered in a series of accessible lectures on science’s role in society, which will be hosted in University College Cork over the coming weeks.

Take a seat for free

Free for the public to attend and aimed at a lay audience, the lectures will see leading UCC scientists deliver addresses on diverse topics such as How Science Works, the Circular economy, Energy and the Environment, Rediscovering Dinosaurs, Rethinking Chemicals in Everyday Life, Plant based foods: sustainable and nutritious, the Human Microbiome, and more.

Coordinated by Professor Alan Kelly, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, the lecture series, now in its 18th year, will be offered from January 14th through to April 3rd. Lectures will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Boole 2 theatre on UCC’s main campus at 6.00pm.

“Today, some of the greatest threats to our way of life are scientific in nature such as climate change and pandemic viruses, as are the solutions to these threats in the form of scientific understanding and development of vaccines,” Prof. Kelly said.

“For this reason, understanding of complex scientific topics became a key priority for many of us, particularly when there can be confusing messages and controversies about some of these important topics.

“In addition, some of the talks will focus on the wonders of science, from how nutrition can make us smarter to using lasers to analyse ancient manuscripts and exploring the incredible world of dinosaurs.”

There is no fee for these lectures, and all are welcome. Just book your spot here.