Top names line up for Saturday Night Lectures

The Saturday Evening Lecture Series, the longest running public lecture series in Scotland, is back with a fantastic line-up for 2008.

Historian Dan Snow is the first to deliver his talk on the 26th January. Dan will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of presenting history on television. His talk will highlight what television has to offer as well as some of the pitfalls that threaten the historian.

Director of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London Mark Jones will present a lecture exploring the role of museums and present a compelling case on the importance of museums in acting as a catalyst for economic regeneration. This lecture on 1st March is particularly timely as the V&A is currently participating in a wide ranging feasibility study to explore how a V&A presence in Dundee might be established.

Jung Chang, the acclaimed author, will talk about the Chinese dictator Mao Zedong and the role of women in China on March 8.

Earlier in the series Sir John Lister Kaye, one of Scotland's best-known naturalists and conservationists, will use film and imagery in his lecture on 2 February to explore the impact of the Victorian sporting tradition on the landscape of the Highlands while on 16th February reproductive biologist Professor Christopher Barratt will discuss the opportunities, challenges and dilemmas of human embryo research.

Jason Lewis has, using only human power, walked, cycled, roller-bladed, kayaked, swam, rowed and pedalled 46,505 miles. He will give a lecture on April 19 describing his incredible feat as well as outline the objectives of his journey - to promote environmentally friendly travel, world citizenship between cultures and awareness of climate change among young people.

On May 9th, Andrew Roberts will give the Churchill Commemoration Lecture. As an Historian and Churchill expert, Andrew Roberts will present a fascinating picture of the sometimes controversial politician and the impact that he made, not just in Dundee, but across the world and why despite a remarkable life and achievements he still garners significant criticism.

All talks will be held in the New Teaching Block at Old Hawkhill. Admission is free. Tickets are available from events@dundee.ac.uk