Minerva series

Like the mutating cells it was trying to investigate, and through a serendipitous series of unrelated coincidences, what started out as a multi-disciplinary UK-based research project to explore the stratosphere using helium balloons somehow evolved and mutated into a high-powered rocketry based research collaboration with NASA Astrobiologists in the Nevada Desert.
 
This high-octane talk by University of Bath researcher Dr Paul Shepherd explores the highs and lows of his journey into High Altitude Bioprospecting for a project which has fused structural engineering, electronics, computer science and biology.

What is high-altitude bioprospecting?

The Levels and Moors are an enormous floodplain in the heart of Somerset and for tens of thousands of years were an ever changing mix of different wetland habitats. In this podcast, archaeologist and historian, Dr Richard Brunning, explores how the present day landscape was largely created and 'tamed' in the early medieval period after the Roman conquest.

Taming the Somerset Levels

Local historian and archaeologist, Dr Simon Draper, discusses place names and their links to Anglo-Saxon landscape architecture for a number of Wessex communities in this Minerva series lecture (formally known as GULP). From the 7th century onwards, what was the meaning of place names like 'bury' and why were they significant?

Churches, place names and landscape architecture

Where did the idea of infinity come from? Who were the people who defined and refined this paradoxical quantity? Why is infinity, a concept we can never experience or truly grasp, at the heart of science? How can some infinities be bigger than others? An exploration of one of the most mind-boggling features of maths and physics, this talk uncovers the amazing paradoxes of infinity and introduces the people who devised and refined the concept.

A brief history of infinity

In response to the shortage of munitions hampering military operations in France, in 1915 the British Government embarked on a programme of factory building unparalleled in history. This talk explores the construction of the major explosives and shell filling factories, the conditions within and the part played by "Tommy's Sisters" in their operation.

No job for a woman: insights into the manufacture of explosives and shell filling in First World War

In this lecture, Dr Paul Shepherd from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering will share the secrets behind the building of the Olympic Park and explore the ways in which mathematics was used in the construction and operation of the Olympic Games.

How to build an Olympic stadium

In this lecture, Dr Susan Oosthuizen, historic landscape specialist from the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education, will explore the archaeological evidence for the management of prehistoric pasture.

Archaeology, common rights and the origins of Britishness

In this lecture, Dr James Betts from the Department of Health will examine the importance of eating breakfast for overall good health, and whether missing breakfast could increase a person's risk of becoming overweight or suffering from heart disease or diabetes.

The science of breakfast in weight management and health

In this lecture, Mr Russell Bowes, a freelance garden historian, will be sharing mysterious tales of how people have died in the garden, and how you can protect yourself against herbaceous murderers.

Say it with poison

In this lecture, Mr Simon Garrett, Head of Learning at Bristol Zoo, asks the controversial question of how much wildlife we actually need, or even like in this thought provoking insight into the future. 

Sustainable future for wildlife and people

In this lecture, art history and cultural theory lecturer Dr Jonathan Koestle-Cate will examine how modern art continues to play a significant role in the life of the church.

Contemporary art in sacred spaces

Dr Dina D'Ayala discusses the fundamental concepts of earthquake engineering and recent research developments in the field of earthquake protection.

Protecting architectural world heritage from earthquakes

Professor Chris Budd describes the maths behind Google and the Ipod and shows how maths has led to the modern information revolution.

Maths and the making of the modern world

Learning officer for the Bristol Dinosaur Project Ed Drewitt reveals another side to Peregrines, not only as majestic, aerial hunters but as opportunistic falcons living often nomadic lives.

Urban peregrines - Bath's very own speed hunters

Minerva lecture on 28th February given by June Ward, Chair for the Minerva Series.

June Ward previously lectured nationwide for the Victoria and Albert Museum. Recently she has become concerned that Islam is increasingly synonymous in this country with terrorism and violence. In her lecture she is seeking to redress the balance by covering Islamic Architecture including the Taj Mahal and Gardening, as well as endeavoring to explain why it is that we in this country are historically so ignorant about the subject.

The beauty of Islam

Minerva lecture on 21 February given by Professor James Turner for the Minerva Series.

Society has become used to the fact that personal transportation is really affordable. Over the past 130 years this situation has arisen with no stimulus from government because of the favourable economics that have evolved. However, the use of fossil fuels to power transportation rightly means that action has to be taken if we are to avoid climate change. The lecture discusses the scale of the challenge, some of the alternatives to the incumbent technology, whether these are practical to implement within the economic model, and postulates an alternative scenario which will also allow decarbonization of petrochemicals and other transport modes. The conclusion reached, however, may not be entirely in line with current policy.

http://www.bath.ac.uk/events/transport-in-the-low-carbon-age/

Transport in the Low Carbon Age

Lecture, given 2 May 2018 by Dr Benjamin Moon, a Postdoctoral Researcher who appeared in Attenborough and the Sea Dragon, using CT scans to reconstruct the skeleton and anatomy of that ichthyosaur.

Dr Benjamin Moon discusses a recent shift in our knowledge. He explains that new techniques are being applied which could bring new insights to ichthyosaur evolution.

Back to the Water: Ichthyosaurs in the 21st Century

A recording of the lecture from 13 June 2018, which overviews the tremendous contribution of Professor Darryl Almond to the research profile of the University of Bath. 

Darryl had a unique ability to use his expertise in physics to undertake cutting edge research across a range of subjects in science and engineering.

A Life Connected by Physics: A Tribute to Professor Darryl Almond

Minerva lecture on 12 September 2018 given by Dr Ian Walker. Transport psychologist from the University of Bath, Dr Ian Walker, notched up 4,300km in just 11 days to win the North Cape 4000 unsupported bike race this summer. How do you prepare for this kind of ride? What do you pack? What should you eat and what do you actually end up eating? If you hit the wall and feel like there’s nothing left in the tank, then how do you push through? And what do you think about for mile after mile, cycling up to 16 hours a day? Hear more from Ian sharing his experiences and reflections with some expert help from researchers across the University.

How I cycled through 11 countries in 11 days to win the trans-European North Cape bike race

Minerva lecture on 10 October 2018 given by Professor Gareth Price, Professor Janet Scott and Dr Antoine Buchard. "There would rarely be a dive where I wouldn't find some form of plastic from a thread of plastic fishing line, sweet wrappers or plastic bottles," assistant producer of Blue Planet 2, Sarah Conner told the BBC. Plastics are everywhere around us and form key parts of modern day life. Researchers at the University of Bath are working hard to develop new types of polymers that are stronger, better and more sustainable. In this discussion three researchers from the University of Bath talk about their work in the creation of new polymer materials including recyclable and biodegradable plastics.

Combating Pollution Through New Biodegradable Plastics

The University of Bath podcasts are a series of public lectures available to download for free.

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