New lecture series brings University professors' expertise to the public

The Professorial Beacon Lectures will bring the knowledge and expertise of the University’s own professors to the public through engaging, thought-provoking talks.

Professor David Bates, Professor of Contemporary Political Thought, explained: “In this public lecture series, professors from Canterbury Christ Church University will showcase their research to you, our community. From important work in the arts, humanities and social sciences to cutting-edge STEM innovation. Come along and see how we are making a difference and contributing to those debates which matter. Join our knowledge community.” 

The first Professorial Beacon Lecture will be given by Professor Mike Weed, Professor of Applied Policy Sciences and Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise and Business Development. The lecture will take place on Wednesday, 11 December at 6pm, when Professor Weed will be asking ‘Is Sport Killing the Planet? And Does it Care Enough to Stop?’

Sport is worried about climate change. About the impact climate change will have on sport and how it is played, but what about sport’s impact on the planet? Sport accounts for almost £500bn of global GDP, about 0.5% of the world’s economy, but what about its contribution to global carbon emissions? Is this smaller or greater than might be expected from a sector of sport’s size?

Many sports leaders claim that sport can play a role in combatting climate change, by the environmentally friendly nature of its activities, or by its ability to influence consumer behaviour. But is there any substance to these claims?

Sport cares very deeply about the impact climate change may have on where and how sport is played, but does sport care enough about its own impact on the planet to consider how sport might have to change?

Free tickets for Professor Weed’s lecture are available on the University’s event pages.

The next lecture will be given by Professor Angela Pickard, the UK’s first Professor of Dance Education. Professor Pickard’s lecture will take place on Wed nesday, 26 February 2025 at 6pm, and will ask the question 'How Can the Arts Save Humanity?'

After that will be Professor David Bates whose lecture 'The People are Revolting: The End Times of Liberal Democracy' will take place on Monday, 24 April 2025 at 6pm.

More information on these events and further lectures will be announced soon.