Professor Lord Robert Winston, one of the world's most respected medical academics and researcher on the human reproductive system, will speak in Cambridge next week as part of Clare Hall's 2007 Tanner Lecture series.

For the first time in the Tanner Lectures' history two speakers will share the main Tanner Lecture on Monday 22 October.

Lord Winston and Professor Judy Illes will share the lecture, 'Medicine, Neuroscience, Ethics and Society', which will be followed by the 'Respondents' lecture on the following day.

Lord Winston has been a major contributor to the progress in the fields of IVF and reproductive genetics, and his group's research has enabled families with a history of a particular genetic disease to have children free of fatal illnesses.

For the members of public, Lord Winston is probably best known as the presenter of the Human Body and Super Human television series. He is also the Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University and heads a world-leading human fertility research team.

Lord Winston, previously Robert Winston, was created a life peer in 1995. As Government Whip he plays a very active role in the House of Lords participating in debates on education, science, medicine and the arts.

Professor Judy Illes is a Professor of Neurology and Canada Research Chair in Neuroethics for the National Core for Neuroethics at the University of British Columbia.

Professor Illes directs a strong research team which focuses on the new field of neuroethics. Her team is devoted to ethical, legal, social and policy challenges, specifically at the intersection of the neurosciences and biomedical ethic.

The Tanner Lectures were established by the American scholar, industrialist and philanthropist, Obert Clark Tanner in 1978. The purpose of the Tanner Lectures is to advance and reflect upon the scholarly and scientific learning related to human behaviour and human values.

In Cambridge, the Tanner Lecture Series is hosted by Clare Hall. Oxford University and seven US universities also have a permanent Tanner Lectureship.

The main Tanner Lecture “Medicine, Neuroscience, Ethics and Society” by Lord Winston and Professor Illes will be held on Monday 22 October between 4 and 5pm in the Lady Mitchell Hall, Sidgwick Avenue. Registration for this lecture is required.

The Respondents will present their feedback on Tuesday 23 October at 9.30am at the Auditorium in Robinson College. Registration for this lecture is not required.

The Tanner Lecture Respondents for 2007 are:

  • Prof. Roger Brownsword, School of Law, University of London & Kings College
  • Dr. John Cornwell Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge (Jesus College)
  • Prof. Peter Lipton Head, Department. of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge (King's College)
  • Dr. Adrian Owen Cognition and Brain Science Unit, University of Cambridge (Clare Hall)

The lectures are free and open to all. To register for tickets, please contact Clare Hall's Alumni Officer at tanner.admin@clarehall.cam.ac.uk or on 01223 332368.

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