Free public lectures to explore brain health and hate speech

Two lectures to be held at the University of Reading this autumn will explore how the brain changes as we age, and how the language we use can divide or unite us.

The first, ‘The Ageing Brain: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What We Can Do’, will be given by Dr Samrah Ahmed, a clinical neuroscientist in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences. Taking place on Thursday 22 October, it will examine what happens in the healthy ageing brain, the warning signs of dementia, and the lifestyle and medical factors that shape our risk.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 57 million people worldwide live with dementia, a figure projected to more than double by 2050.

Dr Ahmed, who leads the University’s Brain Health and Dementia Lab, works with patients, families and local organisations across Reading and the Thames Valley to improve dementia diagnosis and support.

The second lecture, on Wednesday 18 November, will be presented by Professor Federico Faloppa from the University’s Department of Languages and Cultures.

‘More than words: the power of language to divide and unite’ will look at how hate speech works, why it is so pervasive, and what consequences it can have for individuals, communities and democratic societies. Drawing on real-world examples, it will also explore how language can be used to create understanding, respect and belonging.

Both lectures are part of the University’s Centenary programme of events, marking 100 years since Reading was granted its Royal Charter in 1926 and officially became a University.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “As we celebrate 100 years of being a University, I’m proud that Reading’s researchers are still tackling the challenges that matter most.

“Our Public Lecture Series gives everyone the chance to hear from experts at the cutting edge of research, and these lectures show how that work is making a real difference in the world, whether that’s improving the lives of people living with dementia or confronting the hate speech that divides our communities.”

Admission to University of Reading public lectures is free, but booking is essential via the event webpage. Both lectures will be held in-person and livestreamed on the University’s YouTube channel, enabling remote participation for those unable to attend.

The University hosts a full public lecture series, with talks from academics across the country, as well as University staff. The full list of upcoming public lectures includes:

• 22 October – ‘The Ageing Brain: what's normal, what's not, and what we can do’ with Dr Samrah Ahmed (University of Reading). In-person or online.
• 10 November – Annual Armistice lecture: ‘The Entente at the End: The Allied Experience of 1918’ with Dr Chris Kempshall (King’s College London). In-person only.
• 10 November - 'Supporting boys and young men in a changing world' with Lee Chambers, founder and CEO of Male Allies UK. In-person or online.
• 18 November – ‘More than words: the power of language to divide and unite’ with Professor Federico Faloppa (University of Reading). In-person or online.
• 25 November – Annual Richard Bradley lecture: ‘The Celtic warrior: violent assemblages in the Iron Age of Britain’ with Professor Melanie Giles (University of Manchester). In-person only.
• 3 December – Annual Cottingham Lecture: ‘Philosophy and its Past: A Canon or History?’ with Professor John Marenbon (Trinity College, Cambridge). In-person only.

All public lectures will take place on the University’s Whiteknights campus.