Stimulate the mind at Discovery Days

What can pine trees tell us about cancer cells? How do you mend a broken heart? What are the implications of allowing torture evidence in court?

These are just a few of the diverse topics that experts from across all faculties of the University will discuss at the 2006 Discovery Days - a showcase of the leading edge academic work being pursued by some of the University's top minds.

"Over these two stimulating days you can expect a taste of the excitement, the innovation and the promise of a broad sweep of academic activity in research and, for the first time, teaching," said Principal Sir Alan Langlands.

"This year we feature the research work of 18 new chairs in a rich variety of disciplines from philosophy and fine art to pharmacology and photonics. Each will give us their individual perspective on what is happening at their 'knowledge frontier'."

Each expert will present for only 15 minutes, allowing for two dynamic days that provide a unique snapshot of the broad range and scope of expertise the University has to offer.

The University of Dundee is proud to buck the national trend where women account for only 10 per cent of professors; this year more than half of the 18 Discovery Day research professors are women.

Previously run over two afternoons, the 2006 Discovery Days introduce a morning session devoted to the best and most inspiring teaching at the University.

Chaired by the Vice-Principal for Educational Development, Professor James Calderhead, the 'Inspirational Learning Session' includes presentations on how to teach different health professionals to collaborate, learning in a virtual environment and how to make history more accessible and attractive to students.

The 2006 Discovery Days also welcome, for the first time, some of Scotland's leading decision makers and opinion formers. Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Enterprise Jack Perry, Political Editor of BBC Scotland Brian Taylor and Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Tayside Shona Cormack will each chair a session.

The Discovery Days will open with 'One minute', an artwork on screen created by Duncan of Jordanstone College artists Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion and award winning composer Craig Armstrong. 'One minute' will also be presented on day two.

Several exhibitions will accompany the days including a full colour poster display illustrating each of the presentations and a special on-sale selection of artwork by staff, students, alumni and Discovery Day speakers past and present including Calum Colvin, Elaine Shemilt and Gareth Fisher.

The Discovery Days 2006 will take place on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 January at the Tower Extension Lecture Theatre, Tower Building, University of Dundee.

For a full program and free tickets see www.dundee.ac.uk/principalsoffice/discoverydays2006.html