Public Lectures at Canterbury Christ Church University

The People are Revolting - Professor David Bates

Professor David Bates, Professor of Contemporary Political Thought and Director of Research and Enterprise at CCCU,  delivers the third lecture in the Professorial Beacon Lectures series, exploring the decline of liberal democracy and the rise of new political-economic dynamics. He highlights how national populism and authoritarian capitalism — led by powerful figures allied with wealthy elites — exploit public discontent while acting against the interests of those they claim to represent. Bates warns of a bleak future, particularly for the Global South and all but the wealthiest in the Global North, and while he offers some ideas for resisting these forces, his outlook remains cautious and somber.
 

Is Sport Killing the Planet? - Professor Mike Weed

The Professorial Beacon Lectures showcase the expertise of the University’s professors through thought-provoking public talks. This lecture examines whether sport can genuinely contribute to combating climate change, exploring its potential to influence consumer behaviour and promote sustainability, while questioning whether the sports industry is committed to addressing its own environmental impact.

What can Starmer learn from Johnson and Truss? - Sir Anthony Seldon

Sir Anthony is a bestselling contemporary political historian. He served as honorary historian of Number 10 Downing Street, chair of the National Archives Trust, and has interviewed most of the senior figures who have worked in Number 10 in the last fifty years. 

Mortal Humans, Time Machines and a Future with AI – Sarah Porter

Sarah is the founder and CEO of InspiredMinds (a global community of 220,000 high level experts in AI and emerging technology), an advisor to the UN and the EU AI Council, the previous chairperson of Women in AI, and founded ADA-AI; a not for profit focusing on the democratization of tech. In 2017, Sarah lobbied on behalf of the all-girl Afghan Robotics team vs the Trump travel ban. She founded the first STEM school for girls in Kabul and is now working to build an online school for girls still in Afghanistan. Sarah gave us an overview of current state of AI and explored what that means for our future.

Weapons of Empathy - Robin Ince

Robin Ince is best known as the host of Radio 4's The Infinite Monkey Cage with Professor Brian Cox. Since writing his book I'm a Joke and So Are You, Robin has become increasingly engaged with trying to understand the disparity between how we project ourselves to the outside world and who we are on the inside. Weapons of Empathy explored neuroscience, psychology and how books can lead us into the minds of others and help us understand their world. It also contained jokes, impressions and poetry.

Careers in Wildlife Media - Steve Backshall

Steve Backshall is a BAFTA-winning naturalist, explorer and TV presenter, who recently graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with a MSc by Research in Bioscience. Steve gave a special careers talk for our students discussing routes into ‘Careers in Wildlife Media’ - sharing his unique experiences and advice, and taking questions from the audience.

Growing Old Gracelessly - Jo Brand

Jo Brand is a hugely popular comedian, writer and actor. Since making her start on the alternative comedy scene in the 80's, Jo is now best known for regular TV appearances on QI, Have I Got News for You and Would I Lie to You?, as well as hosting The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. Jo talked about making more of a fuss, getting decent care, some proper respect and irritating people – with a few jokes too.

From AI to Eternity - Professor Dame Wendy Hall

Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science, Associate Vice President (International Engagement) and an Executive Director of the Web Science Institute at the University of Southampton, discussed trends in AI and their implications for society including national strategies for AI, geopolitical pressures on AI and data governance, and future scenarios. She laid out why we need to take a socio-technical approach to every aspect of the evolution of AI in society, to ensure that we all reap the benefits of AI and protect ourselves as much as possible from applications of AI that might be harmful.

An Audience with Dame Lynne Owens

Dame Lynne Owens, former Director General of the National Crime Agency until October 2021, discussed her career highlights, what it was like to be responsible for security at the Royal Wedding and the visit of President Obama, and why students should consider a career in policing. We also explored the current challenges facing policing and the law enforcement agencies and Dame Lynne’s hopes for the future.

The Fight for Beauty - Dame Fiona Reynolds

Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE was Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge from 2012 until 2021. She came to the college from the National Trust, where she was Director-General from 2001-2012. During her time there, she made the Trust warmer and more welcoming, bringing the houses to life and raising the profile of the Trust’s work in the countryside.