Epiphany Term
As we approach the end of Epiphany Term, we are incredibly grateful to be able to share our two dinners we have hosted this term. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all those who attended, particularly those who travelled to Durham from around the country.
Our first event of the year on the 22nd of February saw some fascinating short speeches from Professor Ari Sadanandom FDIRDI, Professor Ann Maclarnon FDIRDI, and Dr Kislon Voitchovsky FDIRDI. Ari spoke on some of the challenges posed by Net Zero and agricultural carbon emissions, speaking about an ongoing project to use naturally heated water in derelict County Durham mines to heat greenhouses and facilitate sustainable zero carbon agriculture.
Kislon spoke about his work with interfaces, and the parallels between his work on the nanoscale and societal interactions between people on a much larger scale. This formed the basis of support for new interactions which enable interdisciplinary projects and large-scale collaborations. Ann, as master of Hatfield College, DIRDI’s ‘spiritual home’, gave us a brief history of the college, the SCR, and the value that dining together brings to thought development. It was a fascinating perspective to hear while dining in the former card room of the coaching inn which preceded Hatfield College.
The 5th of March marked the date of the term’s second dinner. Those in attendance were privileged to hear from Prof Dagou Zeze FDIRDI, Dr James Osborn FDIRDI, and Dr Aakash Basu FDIRDI. With fellows coming from around the country (we are particularly grateful to Deputy Master Philip Thomas and Professor Lucian Hudson), there was a vibrant and lively evening of discussion and academic exchange between our Fellows and Members. We look forward to hosting two dinners again next term and to hosting our inaugural Impact and Invention Conference on the 21st of March.