175 Anniversary Lecture Series
Thu, 19 May 2016 09:00:00 BST
As part of the University of Huddersfield’s 175th anniversary celebrations, members of the public can attend free lectures delving into the origins of adult education in the town. It is a story that has a cast of characters including Charles Dickens and the Brontës, plus pioneer science teachers.
The lecture series – delivered by experts at the University – has taken place on every Wednesday in May, with the hour-long talks starting at 7.00pm. Free places can be reserved in advance. The final lecture of the series is:
Wednesday 25 May: Good chemistry
Much of Huddersfield’s prosperity was built on the chemical industry. The University’s Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, Rob Brown, is joined by Dr Martyn Walker to explore how chemistry teaching and research has evolved since 1843 and how this has been influenced by local and national industry. It was as early as 1843 that Huddersfield Mechanics’ Institute offered its first courses in chemistry (pictured left), then widely regarded as a rather obscure subject. It was a highly progressive decision.
It was in 1841 – 175 years ago – that Huddersfield Mechanics’ Institute was founded, initially known as the Young Men’s Mental Improvement Society. Today’s university is in direct line of descent from this enlightened educational initiative.
To reserve places at this free lecture, visit http://www.hud.ac.uk/events/. For further information contact Sybilla Daley on 01484 471568 or e-mail events@hud.ac.uk.
