The university has an on-going series of open lectures which can provide great material for journalists – both in terms of quotes and background detail for stories and by supplying new ideas for academic work.

Highlights this month include:

Professor Till Roenneberg

October 2, 6pm, Grimond (Canterbury). The impact of sleep deprivation caused by changes in the modern lifestyle. A relevant topic for any students who stay glued to their iPads long after lights-out – and an interesting broader health story waiting to be told.

Professor Dame Athene Donald

October 16, 6pm, Grimond (Canterbury). Prof of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge, who is concerned by the patchy scientific understanding of journalists, politicians and other opinion-makers and how this (mis)informs public understanding.

Jonathan Cooper OBE

October 30, 6pm. Grimond (Canterbury). Human rights lawyer will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Human Rights Act, and its alternatives. An important point of conflict within the coalition government.

A full list of open lectures is available here. They are free to attend, and travel to the Canterbury campus is also free on the shuttle bus service.