TEDx comes to Leicester

Some of Leicester’s best known institutions and organisations are getting behind an inspiring event, which is set to bring some of the Leicester’s best thinkers and community activists to the city this year.

Dr Turi King from our Department of Genetics, who led an international team that carried out the DNA analysis on the remains of King Richard III, has been selected to speak at TEDxLeicester 2016

The event will take place on Wednesday 26 October 2016 at Curve Theatre in the city centre. Delegates will access a full-day programme of 16 exceptional speakers, four fantastic performers, plus lunch.

The event’s headline partners include LCB Depot, Curve Theatre and the University of Leicester.

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Paul Boyle said: “Universities are all about world-changing research and the purpose of TED, to spread ideas and knowledge by bringing together leading thinkers, speaks right to the core of our mission. As a University ranked in the top one per cent in the world we are committed to excellence, and we are proud to be associated with this exciting initiative that sees exceptional people in our city come together to share their knowledge and experiences in an inspirational context.”

Turi won the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award 2014 for her achievements in genetic research and her pivotal role in the discovery of Richard III. Among other projects, she is now carrying out whole genome analysis on Richard III as well as studying his microbiome.

She is passionate about communicating science to the public and has appeared in, or advised on, numerous radio and TV programmes. She has recently been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the British Science Association for her work on  public engagement in science.

She said: “I’m very pleased to be involved in TEDx Leicester this year. TEDx Leicester is a wonderful way to bring people together from the entire city and invite the world to hear about the exciting work and ideas that are coming out of Leicester."