UBC Reports | Vol. 47 | No. 15 | October 4, 2001

Peacekeeper, ecologist featured in popular series

Volunteer-run Vancouver Institute enters its 85th season

Retired Lt.-Gen. Romeo Dallaire, leading thinker Freeman Dyson and UBC Prof. Judith Myers, one of Canada's foremost ecologists, are among the speakers in the 85th season of the Vancouver Institute's free public lecture series at UBC.

The lectures are held every Saturday, except public holidays, to Dec. 1. All lectures start at 8:15 p.m. in Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, lecture hall 2. Upcoming lectures are:

Oct. 13: Freeman Dyson, "Davos Debates"

An internationally-aclaimed physicist and author, Dyson's writing has focused on key issues including nuclear disarmament and the Internet.

Oct. 20: Prof. John Hepburn, "Terra Incognita: Pathfinding in Science"

The new head of UBC's Dept. of Chemistry, Hepburn is acclaimed for his research in laser spectroscopy and laser chemistry.

Oct. 27: Prof. Mogens Herman Hansen, "Direct Democracy: Ancient and Modern"

A pre-eminent historian Hansen is the leading world scholar of ancient Greek constitutional studies.

Nov. 3: Prof. Kathleen Coleman, "The Virtues of Violence: Gladiators, the Arena, and the Roman System of Values"

In addition to a successful academic career, Coleman worked as special consultant on the Academy Award-winning film Gladiator.

Nov. 17: Prof. Steven Rose, "Genetic Determinism: Life Beyond Genes"

Director of the Brain and Behavioural Research Group at the U.K.'s Open University, Rose recently discovered a new molecule which may alleviate memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Nov. 24: Lt.-Gen. Romeo Dallaire, "Is Conflict Resolution The New Peacekeeping? Are There Casualties Involved?"

As head of a small force of UN peacekeepers during Rwanda's civil war, Dallaire warned his UN superiors of the impending horror but was prevented from intervening.

Dec. 1: Prof. Judith Myers, "Insects As Friends and Foes"

One of Canada's leading ecologists, Agricultural Sciences Prof. Judith Myers specializes in insect ecology and agroecology.

Recent books published by series speakers will be available at the door and the UBC Bookstore.

For more information, visit www.psg.com/~ted/vaninst or call 604-UBC-INFO, (604-822-4636).