Professor Alice Roberts will be sharing tales of the species that changed our world, as guest speaker at Bournemouth University’s Festival of Learning.
The biological anthropologist, presenter and author will give two free talks during the festival’s family day, which takes place at BU’s Talbot Campus on Saturday 16 June.
Alice received an Honorary Doctorate from BU in 2013 and is currently on our TV screens exploring the extraordinary history of well-known places in Channel 4 series Britain’s Most Historic Towns.
She said: “I am very much looking forward to coming back to Bournemouth University to give a couple of lectures, drawing on my latest book, Tamed.
“I’ll be exploring the ancient roots of the bonds between humans and species like dogs and horses, and looking at how archaeology and genetics come together to help us uncover these deep histories.”
Alice will be exploring our relationship with species that helped shape our world in a family talk, aimed at a family audience with children aged 7 and over.
Her second talk, aimed at audiences aged 12 and over, will explore archaeology, history and genetics to reveal the amazing stories of species that became our allies.
The Festival of Learning runs from Saturday 16 – Wednesday 20 June, bringing learning to life with over 90 free events and activities.
It kicks off on Saturday with a Festival for the Family at Talbot Campus, with a host of educational and hands-on activities for all ages – including free sports sessions, an archaeological escape room and the chance to become kitchen detectives.
BU research will be taken out into the community on Sunday 17 June, with events taking place across Bournemouth and Poole.
These include a talk about exceptional sporting performance at Vitality Stadium and a roving play at Upton Country Park.
During the week, events and activities will run throughout the afternoon and evening back at Talbot Campus - including interactive workshops, talks and professionally-focused events.
Sessions range from the chance to explore what makes things funny, to getting tax savvy, and finding out how to avoid fake news.
Science showman Ian B Dunne will close the festival with his Magic Science…Science Magic show, with two performances to cater for all ages.
Ian said: “I’m delighted to bring my unique science show to Bournemouth University for the Festival of Learning.
“Come along for demonstrations, strange and wonderful noises, levitating objects, flash bangs and big sparks, and the occasional funny smell - all done with some fantastic and rare equipment.”
The Festival of Learning is now in its sixth year, and aims to share BU’s research and expertise with the community in engaging and accessible ways.
Festival Director Jane Kavanagh-Lauridsen said: “We’ve got an exciting programme of free events, activities and opportunities to learn something new – from exhibitions to hands-on workshops, talks and sports sessions.
“We can’t wait to share the exceptional research being carried out at BU. We’d love for people of all ages to share in our discoveries and have the chance to engage and connect with our staff and students.”
For full details of Festival of Learning events, and to book your free tickets, visit the Festival of Learning website.
You can also pick up a brochure from local libraries and around BU campuses.
