Wednesday
30 April 2008
19:00 - 20:30
‘There is nothing like a dame’, so the song goes! Professor Nancy Rothwell was awarded a DBE in 2005 in recognition of her services to science. Nancy is a neuroscientist at Manchester University and has, she believes, the best career imaginable. Together with her team of 20, she focuses her research on brain injury and stroke, and in recent years they have made important discoveries.
Tonight, Vivienne Parry will talk to Nancy about her extraordinary career. Not content with just being a laboratory scientist, Nancy spends time giving talks and lectures to the public, enthusing us about her world. Although some of her lectures are in prestigious settings, talking to children is what she really enjoys, particularly in schools in deprived areas where the children may never have seen a scientist. And you'll often see Nancy on TV, hear her on the radio and read about her in newspapers.
Nancy acknowledges that there are relatively few women who achieve great things in science. Why? She's not sure, but she’s determined to do something about it. Part of the problem lies in age-old attitudes towards women in high-flying careers. This year, she received a Women of Outstanding Achievement prize.
More challenging, perhaps, is her ongoing campaign to help the public understand why animals are needed in medical research. Nancy regularly speaks out about this controversial and sometimes emotionally charged issue.
More challenging, perhaps, is her ongoing campaign to help the public understand why animals are needed in medical research. Nancy regularly speaks out about this controversial and sometimes emotionally charged issue.
The discussion tonight will take you on the adventure of Nancy's life.
video
Event organised by:
The European Dana Alliance for the Brain and Imperial College London
Speakers
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, University of Manchester
Vivienne Parry, author, journalist and BBC broadcaster