Formats: Talks

Gum Tree

The gum ‘chicle’ from the South American chicozapote tree is the traditional base for chewing gum. In Mexico sustainable production of the gum is helping to protect rainforest and supports local communities.

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14, 15 April, 4.30pm (30 mins), Age 5+, Sign up on the day at the Botanics, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Patrick Geddes Room

A Stem Cell Dream

Prof Sir Ian Wilmut, Prof Siddharthan Chandran and Dr Tilo Kunath

Can the latest major breakthroughs in stem cell science be used to treat diseases like Parkinson’s Disease? Can we develop safe treatments now? What does the science say?

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14 April, 6pm (90 mins), Adult, Informatics Forum

Edinburgh Medal: Genetic fingerprinting : a story of scientific serendipity

Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys

Techniques for DNA-based identification emerged completely by accident from our research in the 1980s on gene evolution. Professor Jeffreys will discuss the story of DNA fingerprinting.

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14 April, 6.30pm (60 mins), Adult, Royal College of Physicians

Maths, Magic and Money

Gillian Tett, Donald MacKenzie and Terri Duhon

Does science have a role in financial innovation, or is finance based on smoke and mirrors and the best we can do is appeal to magicians and their crystal balls.

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14 April, 8pm (60 mins), Adult, Informatics Forum

"Wheelwright of the Heavens" and Natural Philosopher: James Ferguson FRS (1710 - 1776)

Prof. Roland Paxton

From the background of a poor Banffshire farm-boy born 300 year ago, James Ferguson mastered mechanics and astronomy, with little or no knowledge of mathematics, to publish in 1756.

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15 April, 6pm (60 minutes), Adults, Informatics Forum

God, Science and Global Warming

Prof John Houghton

What is the role of science in humanity’s response to the ecological crisis? John Houghton discusses one of the major issues facing us today and what role faith has to play in it.

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15 April, 7pm (60 mins), Adult, Informatics Forum

The good, the bad and the ugly

From anteaters to zebras… Come along and see our exotic animal X-ray records and ask our Zoo vets any questions about animals’ insides!

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15 April, 7pm (90mins), Edinburgh Zoo - Education Centre

The Num8er My5teries

Marcus du Sautoy

From prime numbers to the lottery, from lemmings to bending balls like Beckham, Mathematician and TV presenter, Marcus du Sautoy, provides an entertaining and, perhaps, unexpected approach to how mathematics can be used to predict the future.

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15 April, 7.30pm (60 mins), Adult, George Square Theatre

Protecting Biodiversity in Nepal

Meet the RBGE botanists working on plant conservation in Nepal – hear about their amazing expeditions and learn more about this key area of biodiversity.

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16, 17 April, 11am (45 minutes), Age 5+, Sign up on the day at the Botanics, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Patrick Geddes Room

What should happen to your brain after you die?

Professor James Ironside

Should we donate our brains for research after we die? And if so, what kind of research is permissible? Join us for an in-depth discussion of these and other questions about brain donation.

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16 April, 1.30pm (180 mins), Adult, Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, Playfair Hall