Kick off 2005 with Discovery Days

Did you know that the UK is becoming a secular nation? How do you think the economic crises of the 1970's have impacted upon today's society? What can be done to help the seven million people in the UK who suffer from hearing loss? How do guts... and estuaries... work?

The 2005 Discovery Days, taking place on the afternoons of 13 and 14 January at the Bonar Hall, will provide an 'expert’s eye' view of these and many more diverse topics drawn from all faculties.

"Since their inauguration last year the Discovery Days have already established themselves as a highlight in the University calendar. In our 2005 Discovery Days we will be honouring 19 of the University's most recently appointed professors - all leading thinkers in their fields - by showcasing an aspect of each individual’s research for a wider audience." said Principal Sir Alan Langlands.

"This is an excellent chance for staff, students and the wider public to hear at first hand what is happening at the frontiers of knowledge, to be inspired, to discover new ideas, spot opportunities for collaboration and find new directions to explore."

"The older we are the more our bodies hold clues to our identity", says Sue Black, Chair of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology. Learn of the options and opportunities available in the current epidemic of diabetes, as told by Andrew Morris, Chair of Diabetic Medicine; what the analysis of speech errors can tell us about the brain, with Trevor Harley, Personal Chair of Cognitive Psychology; and pursue the adventure of architecture with Simon Unwin, Chair of Architecture.

A full colour poster display illustrating the work of the 19 Discovery Professors 2005 will also be on show.

"Come along to expand your mind and uplift your spirits with the impressive array of expertise engaged in teaching and research in the University today - the perfect antidote to the January blues! Discovery Days are your opportunity to learn from the people at the cutting edge of research, or to challenge them." says Principal's Director of Communication, Carol Pope.

A special split plasma screen exhibition based on the Wellcome Trust funded Inspiration and Discovery programme will also be on show, drawing on the work of artists and scientists including the University's first Visiting Professor of Inspiration and Discovery, sculptor and alumnus David Mach.

For more information about Discovery Days 2005 and free tickets see: www.dundee.ac.uk/principalsoffice/discoverydays.html