Classical art meets modern-day medicine in Robert Winston lecture

Press release issued: 2 October 2015

Professor Lord Robert Winston will be going back to classical times to see what lessons we can learn for modern-day medicine when he gives a public lecture at the University of Bristol. Lord Winston, known for his IVF research and for presenting major BBC series, will examine classical works of art, revealing some of the surprising hidden - and not so hidden - stories in the paintings when he visits Bristol on Monday 12 October.

From Galileo-influenced depictions of the moon and da Vinci’s studies of the human skull, to the representation of scientific instruments and people with disabilities, he will explore what Renaissance art has to tell us about the medicine and science of the time and what we can learn from them.

The free lecture, entitled 'Medicine in Renaissance art: lessons for issues in current medicine', is open to the public and also forms part of the final year course for students on the Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Physiological Science programmes at Bristol University.

Dr Philip Langton, who has organised the event, said: "These lectures serve to remind students just how important it is to communicate science to the general public. We're delighted that Lord Winston will be sharing his insights to help us understand some of the moral and ethical issues associated with science, technology and medicine."

Past speakers at the School of Physiology and Pharmacology Open Lecture include TV doctor Michael Mosley and Professor David Nutt, a drugs specialist and former government adviser.

'Medicine in Renaissance art: lessons for issues in current medicine' on Monday 12 October, 3pm in the Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building.

The event is free and open to the public, but tickets must be booked in advance through Eventbrite.