Saturday Evening Lecture Series 07

The growing implications of terrorism for democracy, the mood in Scotland on the eve of the Union 300 years ago and the promise and potential cost of DNA technology are among the range of topics being discussed at the 2007 Saturday Evening Lecture Series.

The first lecture in the series will take place on 03 February. In it, Professor Paul Wilkinson from the University of St Andrews will present 'The Liberal State responses to terrorism and their limits'.

On 24 February Professor Christopher Whatley, University Vice Principal and Head of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, will evoke the mood in Scotland 300 years ago revealing the fears and concerns of the Scottish people on the eve of the Union. In this controversial lecture, Professor Whatley will explain why Scottish politicians voted to end centuries of Scottish independence.

President of the British Academy Professor Baroness Onora O'Neill will present 'Rethinking Informed Bioethics' on 03 March. The acclaimed ethicist will explore how useful the idea of informed consent is in bioethics.

On 10 March, Professor John Burn from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne will explore the role that DNA and stem cell technology could play, from conception to death, in years to come. He asks whether the promise will be fulfilled and if we know the price.

Executive Chairman of the National Trust for Scotland Shonaig Macpherson will present 'To the Heart of Scotland' in the 24 March lecture, exploring the rich sights and cultural delights of the Scottish nation.

On 31 March, Dundee alumni, former MP and energy minister Brian Wilson asks how Scotland can best meet the three criteria of energy policy in the 21st century - security of supply, affordability and environmental responsibility.

In the final lecture of the series on 28 April, the Guardian's Steve Bell, the UK's premier cartoon satirist, will ask 'Do politicians look funny?'

All of the lectures begin at 6pm in the D'Arcy Thompson Tower Lecture Theatre. Entry is free and all are welcome.