Teesside University serving a Pint of Science in Darlington

Members of the public are to be given the opportunity to access cutting-edge insights into the world of bioscience and healthcare as a popular science festival comes to a North East town for the first time.

Led by academics and partners from Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre, the popular Pint of Science festival will be taking place at The Forum in Darlington on 13 and 15 May.

The worldwide science festival takes place in 41 towns and cities across the UK and offers the opportunity for people to access the world of academia in an informal and relaxed atmosphere by bringing researchers to their local pubs and cafes to share their scientific discoveries.

Teesside University has been involved with Pint of Science for several years, but this is the first time that it will be taking place in Darlington.

The National Horizons Centre is a national centre of excellence for bioscience and healthcare and is based at Teesside University’s Darlington campus at Central Park.

Pint of Science offers residents of Darlington and beyond the opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge research taking place in the town within the National Horizons Centre’s state-of-the-art laboratories.

Speakers and topics confirmed for the two-day festival include:

• Professor John S. Young on how new technologies are helping people manage their healthcare.
• Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali on new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Dr Ahmad Khundakar offering insights into how dementia has shaped our understanding of the mind.
• Dr Marc Moore examining how mutations within DNA can lead to the formation of brain and nerve tumours in patients.
• Dr Maria O’Hanlon from The Lily Foundation speaking about 'mito', a rare genetic disease for which there is currently no cure.

Professor Vikki Rand, Director of Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring Pint of Science to Darlington.

“The National Horizons Centre is operating at the forefront of some of the key advances in the world of bioscience and healthcare research.

“The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the festival offers the perfect opportunity for people in Darlington and beyond to learn about some of the cutting-edge research that is taking place on their doorstep.

“We are really looking forward to sharing our findings and inspiring and encouraging more people to explore the exciting world of bioscience.”

Andrew Perkin, Business Growth and Investment Manager at Darlington Borough Council, said: “We are delighted that Teesside University is hosting this exciting and engaging series of talks in Darlington.

“Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries are growing and form a significant and important part of our local economy.

“Events like this draw attention to the exciting research happening right here on our doorstep and help to position Darlington as an innovative, pioneering science hub.”

Tickets for a Pint of Science in Darlington are available from today (8 April). Buy tickets and view a full programme of events

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