Annual Geography Lectures

Recently at university there have been two geography-related lectures given by researchers outside the University of Leicester. These are free lectures which are open to any members of the public and happen every year.

Firstly, on the 12^th March there was the Annual Geography Lecture. This year it was held by Professor Katherine Gibson of the University of Western Sydney. She talked about her work on building ethical communities for the future – how researchers are leading action projects for communities interested in alternative economic development pathways (something for the human geographers out there!)

Secondly, on the 17^th March, the department held the 55^th Annual Bennett Lecture (the Bennett Building holds the Geography and Geology departments). This was delivered by Professor Jennifer Clack of the University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge. She spoke about the origins of tetrapods, and how recent fossil finds from Scotland and Northern England have helped us understand how they evolved into more modern forms following a mass extinction at the end of the Devonian period.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend either of the lectures this year, but I have been to the Annual Bennett Lecture in previous years. During my first year, the lecture directly related to a module I was undertaking called Earth, A Dynamic Planet, so it was pretty interesting! I remember being surprised by the amount of people who turned up – it was held in the largest lecture theatre of the Bennett building and was absolutely packed! So they seem to always get a good turnout.

These are just two of the many things that go on around university. We get an email each week called the ‘Weekly Insider’ which tells you about recent research which has been going on at the university, and also what upcoming events are being held. So if you come here do check it out. I would recommend going to at least one of the lectures – they’re free, and always interesting, so well worth it.