University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) leaders have unveiled an exciting and wide-ranging line-up of public events for 2018, featuring its distinguished academics and eminent guests.

The events are open to everyone, and many are free.

They include events as part of the DarwIN Shrewsbury Festival in February, kicking off with what promises to be a spellbinding and emotional awards ceremony, organised with Morris & Company, to crown Shropshire’s Young Thinkers 2018.

Another UCS contribution to the Festival is the Evolution of Education Conference, at which Professor AC Grayling and Professor Tim Wheeler will explore what skills, knowledge and understanding educators need to prepare students for 21st century life. Anthony Clifford Grayling is the Master of the New College of the Humanities, London, and its Professor of Philosophy, as well as author, newspaper and magazine columnist, and TV and radio contributor. Prof Wheeler is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester.

Later in the year, Andrew Hill, an Associate Editor and Management Editor of the Financial Times, and John O’Brien MBE, partner of ONEHUNDRED, the purpose agency of US global marketing giant Omnicom, who are both heads of charities and foundations, will discuss purpose and values in business.

More business events are lined up while on the history front, people can hear from veterans, Mike Bradbury on ‘The Eyes and Ears of the Royal Air Force – a History of The Royal Observer Corps and the part played by Shropshire’ and Lt Col Richard Jones on ‘The Anglo Afghan Wars from Victoria to the Present Day and My Short Visit to the Land’.

English lovers can enjoy lectures, discussions and courses on: children’s literature; women’s writing; the works of Nobel Prize Laureate, Kazuo Ishiguro; the literature and art of the First World War; Philip K Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and its most recent cinematic adaptation, Blade Runner 2049; the works of Mary Webb and Arnold Bennett, and crime literature.

Following their success in previous years, another Textile Stories Study Day is planned, and three talks are organised by Back in Time/Shrewsbury LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) History to mark LGBT History Month 2018.

Further topics covered by University of Chester academics and other guests and partners, are: music; bioenergy; branding; astronomy; geoconservation, and revolutions in art.

The programme also provides details of UCS Visit and Open Days.

Professor Anna Sutton, Provost of University Centre Shrewsbury, said:

“We are thrilled to unveil our Public Events Programme for 2018.

“Our academics are hosting fascinating talks and events, sharing more about the work taking place here. We have also been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown to be part of the programme by visiting lecturers who are leaders in their fields.

“Many of our events are free, and organised for evenings, lunchtimes or weekends, and there is a choice of topics from trade to the detective’s assistant in fiction.

“We are proud to play a role in the cultural life of Shropshire and delighted to offer the opportunity to everyone to hear from these experts, and join in with the discussions.

“We would encourage people to come along and get involved in University Centre life. We hope you find something of interest in the programme – which will continue to grow during the year – and look forward to welcoming you to the University Centre.”

The programme is available, and bookings can be made, at: www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/public-events.

People can also find out more and pick up a copy of the programme, by visiting the reception at Guildhall (SY3 8HQ), which is the venue for the majority of the events. The reception is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and from 9am to 4pm on Fridays.

Alternatively, for further information email communications@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01743 297185.