New Scientist editor to lecture on 'Science and the Media'

The distinguished journalist Roger Highfield, Editor of New Scientist, will lecture on 'Science and the Media' at the University of Southampton on Wednesday 4 March in a prelude to National Science and Engineering Week.

Roger Highfield is one of the world's leading writers on science and technology. Science Editor of The Daily Telegraph for 20 years, and now Editor of New Scientist, he has played a distinguished role in interpreting and explaining complex scientific developments to the public over a period when science and technology have developed beyond the grasp of lay audiences.

He is widely influential in his field and has broken many of the biggest science stories of recent years. He has strong scientific credentials, having read chemistry at Pembroke College, Oxford, and then continued his studies in a PhD on physical chemistry. As a post-doctoral researcher he also spent a short time in the Chemistry Department at Southampton before deciding to pursue a career in journalism.

The lecture has been organized by the School of Electronics and Computer Science for the Faculty of Engineering, Science, and Mathematics and underlines the University's commitment to ensuring public understanding of its research agenda. It is also a prelude to the University's events for National Science and Engineering Week 2009.

In his lecture Roger Highfield will be considering coverage of science and technology in our media. He will also discuss why particular stories gain coverage and how scientists can themselves play a role in influencing the news agenda.

This lecture is open to the public. All are welcome and no tickets are required. The lecture takes place in The Nightingale Building Lecture Theatre, University Road, Highfield, at 5 pm on Wednesday 4 March.

For further information contact Joyce Lewis; tel.023 8059 5453