At the Thackray Museum of Medicine we tell the stories of our health heroes and inspire the next generation of big thinkers. Established by Thackray’s co-founder Professor Monty Losowsky, our annual Insights Series continues to celebrate his legacy, exploring the lives touched by medical innovations both past and present. Every session includes two lectures delving deep into eye-opening topics and those that offer a different take on current public debate.
How did women negotiate sex and birth control in 1920s Britain?
How have outbreaks on the high seas influenced approaches to modern medicine?
And what can the potato teach us about attitudes to health in the 17th Century?
Our Insights Lecture series forms a core element of our Talks and Lates programme designed to spark debate around subjects large and small whilst exploring the advances that have shaped the way we look after ourselves, and each other.
2022/2023 programme – Visit our Whats on for full details
Single Session: £10, Whole Course: £60
Free student tickets available – contact [email protected] to book your place.
Lecture 1 – 1st October 2022: Medical Stories from Africa
Experts talk us through the discovery of Sickle Cell Disease, its traits and diagnosis before we explore the fascinating history of mental health treatment across the African continent.
Lecture 2 – 5th November 2022: Hazardous Health through History
Without asbestos would Leeds be the city it is today? And how has the concept of ‘safety’ developed across the history of the NHS?
Lecture 3 – 3rd December 2022: Spirits and Disease on the High Seas
What can we learn from Shipborne outbreaks to help us treat illness on land? And why did Victorian and Edwardian travellers always have a spare bottle of brandy in their medical supplies?
Lecture 4 – 7th January 2023: Ancient Wisdom in Modern Medicine
What can modern medicine learn from Greco-Roman medical treatments, and the archaeological study of children?
Lecture 5 – 11th February 2023: Health and Horticulture
How can we use the five senses in scientific investigation, and what can the potato teach us about attitudes to health in the 17th Century?
Lecture 6 – 4th March 2023: Birth and Childhood Medicine
How has a study of those Born in Bradford informed international policy? And what can we learn from the pandemic in order to protect future generations?
Lecture 7 – 1st April 2023: New Women, Old Remedies
How did women negotiate sex and birth control in 1920s Britain? And what can HIV affected families teach us about love, care and activism?
Not convinced yet? You can view some of last years lectures by following the link – thackraymuseum.co.uk/insights2021/