Fairbrother Lecture heads to new community location
10 April 2024
A Reading PhD student modelling ocean currents and climate tipping points will have the opportunity to share his work with a new audience, as an annual public lecture moves to a Reading town centre venue for 2024.
Reyk Börner, a doctoral researcher in mathematics of climate, will give this year’s annual Fairbrother Lecture on Tuesday 30 April 2024.
For the first time, the event will take place at the Reading Biscuit Factory, bringing a taste of what happens at the University to a new location in the local community.
Reyk’s PhD research is contributing to better understanding of a huge system of ocean currents, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which is largely responsible for Europe’s mild climate.
Joanna John, Joint Head of Doctoral Skills Training at the Doctoral and Research College, said: “Reyk is an excellent and thought-provoking communicator and his lecture addresses attitudes to uncertainty in science head-on, exploring why elements of uncertainty remain and why we can’t afford to wait for a perfect picture before taking action.
“The Fairbrother Lecture series champions Reading’s doctoral research, showcasing its depth, expertise and diversity. We’re excited to take this event to the Reading Biscuit Factory, bringing University research into the heart of town.”
About the Fairbrother Lecture
The Fairbrother Lecture is an annual public lecture, giving one Reading doctoral student the chance to present their research to a wider audience. It is named after Jack Fairbrother, who in 1929 became one of the first students to be awarded a PhD from the University.
The event will begin with a short film screening of Coastal Requiem, telling the stories of five coastal communities dealing with the threat of rising sea levels around the globe. After the lecture, there will be a reception and exhibit of work by other Reading doctoral candidates.
Uncertain Currents - Predicting Tipping Points in our Ocean and Climate takes place at the Reading Biscuit Factory on Tuesday 30 April 2024. The lecture is fully booked but will be filmed and available to watch on YouTube.