Top names lined up for 2005 lecture series

The unique collaboration between one of Scotland's best-loved singers, Eddi Reader, and renowned Burns expert Dr Ken Burns made for an uplifting start to both the New Year and the 2005 Saturday evening lecture series. Maintaining this momentum, a promising programme of speakers from the worlds of media, science and film-making, among others, has been lined up for the coming months.

BBC Scotland Correspondent Ken MacDonald will be addressing whether the digital broadcasting revolution will deliver its promise of better quality, as well as increased amounts of television programmes. His lecture will take place on 26 February at 6pm in the Tower Extension Lecture Theatre.

The diverse areas of architecture, the development of the Beano and the Dandy, and stem cell research will be the topics for lectures in March. The University's Professor Simon Unwin, who spoke at the recent Discovery Days, will give his lecture on 12 March. Examining the idea that all humans are architects, he will look at how we use our buildings, from sandcastles on the beach to temples in the desert, to feel 'at home'.

On 19 March comic aficionado Peter Hanson will chart the changes in style, character and writing that have impacted upon the development of the Beano and the Dandy, Dundee's two publishing icons.

Dr Stephen Minger from Kings College London will explore the controversial development of stem cell research that has been catapulted to the top of the political agenda in recent times, thanks to the efforts by high profile campaigners such as the late Christopher Reeves. The date of Dr Minger’s lecture will be announced shortly.

The final lecture of the series will be presented by Chariots of Fire producer Lord David Puttnam on 7 May. Drawing on his experiences in the worlds of film-making and education, Lord Puttnam will examine the opportunities and challenges arising from the impact of new technology on education and the development of the media.

All lectures will take place at the Tower Extension Lecture Theatre at 6pm. For further details see: www.dundee.ac.uk/events