About the University of Leicester
Chancellor's Distinguished Lecture Series
The Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture Series is the University of Leicester’s flagship programme of public events.
These talks are given by high-profile speakers who either have an existing link to, or relationship with, the University, or who are notable in fields that align with our values and aspirations.
The events are free and open to the public. However, places are limited and seats must be booked in advance.
Details of the next Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture will be announced shortly.
Previous events
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell
The astrophysicist, who has long been a champion for women in science, reviewed the changes there have been in the last 50 years in her lecture 'Women in Science: Citizens of Change' on 14 May 2024.
Dr Venki Ramakrishnan
The structural biologist and Nobel Laureate explored the effect of science and knowledge on the economic growth and general wellbeing of countries in his lecture 'Science and Prosperity: Why should countries invest in science?' on 20 October 2023.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond
The UK’s National Statistician spoke on ‘The role of a national statistical institute in responding to a national crisis’ on 30 May 2023.
Sir Patrick Vallance
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser delivered a lecture on the importance of scientific advice in national policymaking in November 2022.
David Puttnam
The film director Lord Puttnam gave a lecture entitled ‘The times they are a’changin’ on 7 November 2017.
Professor Robert Winston
The scientist, politician and writer Lord Winston discussed the ‘dark side’ of scientific discovery in his lecture 'Misusing Science' on 9 February 2017.
Patricia Cornwell
The bestselling crime author Patricia Cornwell visited the University on 24 October 2016, shortly after the publication of Chaos, the 24th novel featuring her iconic forensic expert, Dr Kay Scarpetta. She discussed how she writes her novels, her in-depth research and her own fascinating story. This Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture was presented in association with Literary Leicester.
Sir David Attenborough
The naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough delivered a lecture on 'Beauty in Nature' to a packed audience on 28 January 2016. Sir David grew up on the University of Leicester campus, where his father was Principal of University College Leicester, and is a Distinguished Honorary Fellow of the University.
- Watch extracts from Sir David's lecture
- Discover more about the Attenborough family's connections with the University of Leicester
The Rt. Hon. David Willetts
The Conservative politician, former Minister for Universities and Sciences, spoke on 'The Future of the UK Science Innovation System' on 11 June 2015. After his elevation to the Peerage, Lord Willetts served as the University's Chancellor from 2018 to 2023.