The first talk in the Spring programme will be given by Professor Peter Hopkins, Newcastle University’s Dean of Social Justice and a leading expert on young Muslims’ experiences of Islamophobia.

Incidents such as the attacks at London Bridge and Westminster in 2017 have led to a steep increase in the number of anti-Muslim acts reported. Professor Hopkins’ talk on 12 February will explore what Islamophobia is and how it can be challenged.

On 19 February, in a talk marking LGBT+ History Month, Leonie Orton will explore the origins of her brother Joe’s outrageous humour and how this influenced his work. The talk will be co-delivered by Dr Emma Parker, University of Leicester, who will discuss homosexuality in Joe Orton’s final play What the Butler Saw.  

Dr Martin Farr, Co-Chair of the Insights public lectures programme, said: “The new programme of public lectures promises expert and thought-provoking insight into all sorts of issues, and I’m looking forward to welcoming our speakers and audiences to the University for plenty of lively and topical discussion.”

Other highlights include Fred Brookes, a fine art alumnus of Newcastle University, who will give a first-hand account of the race against time to save Kurt Schwitters’ iconic Merz Barn wall and move it from the Lake District to the University’s Hatton Gallery, in his lecture on 28 February.

The programme also features talks by some of Newcastle University’s own internationally-renowned experts, including Professor Ashley Adamson’s lecture on 7 March about childhood obesity and what can be done to reverse the increase in overweight children. This is followed on 19 March by Professor William Willats from the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences discussing what can be done to protect plant diversity.  

On 21 March, in the Defence Lecture, Ambassador Clare Hutchinson, the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, will talk about the work NATO is leading to ensure gender equality into defence policies.

And on 28 March, geographer and BBC TV’s Coast presenter Nicholas Crane will explore the ancient relationship between people and place, and how the British landscape is being shaped as we move from an exploitative past to a more sustainable future.

The talk by Rt Hon David Lammy MP, which was originally planned for 7 February, has been postponed and will now take place at a later date.

For the full programme of lectures, and audio recordings of past lectures, visit www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures. All Insights public lectures are free and open to all, and seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Lectures take place at 5.30pm in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University. Twitter: @insightsncl