We have a strong tradition of hosting eminent and inspiring speakers at Durham University. In recent years alone these have included Rt Revd Justin Welby, Professor Noam Chomsky and former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
We are building on this to reach an increasingly international audience through the development of lecture series across key global cities, starting in London during 2019/20, and moving to other global cities in the near future.
We couldn't have asked for a more distinguished speaker for our inaugural event of the Global Lecture Series than Lady Brenda Hale, President of the Supreme Court, UK.
Presenting to an invited audience from business, public service, academia and the legal profession, Lady Hale spoke on the topic of "The Supreme Court at 10 years old".
Challenging and inspiring
Lady Hale shared fascinating insights about her personal experience of the creation and role of the Supreme Court, and inspired listeners with her passion for improving public understanding of the court and justice system.
Described by the Chair, Professor Clare McGlynn of Durham Law School, as having given "unflinching support and mentoring to other women", Lady Hale spoke about the need to improve diversity of all kinds within the judiciary and her optimism for improvements in this area.
Her lecture prompted a number of interesting questions and subsequent vibrant conversations during the reception that followed.
Our global outlook
Encouraging discussion, debate and challenge is at the core of our mission and Lady Hale's lecture was the first of our Durham Global Lectures to be given by high calibre speakers and thought leaders as part of our drive to grow the University's impact globally.
Our position in QS and THE World Rankings demonstrates the outstanding quality of our research, education and overall student experience. But we want to do more to reach out to our broad network of contacts in London and around the world so they can engage with our global ambitions and realise opportunities for themselves through continued engagement with Durham University.
Future events
The lecture series continues in November with guest speaker Dr Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Further dates and lectures will be announced in the New Year and we extend our thanks to the University of Notre Dame (USA) in England for hosting us at the London Global Gateway, which acts as a centralised location for us to collaborate on our shared scholarly work.
