Café Scientifique events provide relaxed settings in which we can talk about the latest thought-provoking science issues. These take place in cafés, bars and restaurants and other non-academic venues. What's more, you don't have to be a scientist or science student to take part. Café Scientifique is about the science of life and how it shapes our world. Because of this, everyone is welcome.
The Time Machine Really Exists
 400 Years Since Galileo Invented the Telescope and... the end of the world in 2012
The Fascination of Mobile Communications (in English)
Can We really See with the Back of our Neck?
please wite to booking@britishcouncil.bg and enter your preferred event in the Subject line.
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The Evolution of Influenza Viruses: Seasonal Flu and Vaccines
10 February 2009
It’s Darwin’s 200 birthday! Please come and join us for an evening of informal science and chat. Dr Colin Russell will give a short presentation on the evolution of influenza viruses: seasonal flu and vaccines. The talk will be followed by an informal discussion facilitated by Dr Christopher Smith from the Naked Scientists. The audience in Cambridge will be joined by one from Bulgaria via a via a video conference link.
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Dr. Colin Russell is head of epidemiology at the Centre for Pathogen Evolution, University of Cambridge and a fellow of Clare College. His research focuses on how epidemiology shapes the evolution of viruses and he is actively involved in influenza vaccine strain selection and pandemic preparedness at the World Health Organization. His work on influenza viruses has been featured in New Scientist, National Geographic, the New York Times, and was recently ranked #14 in Discover Magazine’s “Top 100 Science Stories of 2008”. |
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Dr. Chris Smith is a doctor and a clinical lecturer in virology at Cambridge University. Deciding that medicine wasn't soaking up enough of his free time, he started the Naked Scientists radio show, podcast and website. Chris also makes weekly appearances on ABC Radio National, Australia, and on BBC Radio Five Live; he also fronts the Royal Society of Chemistry's Chemistry World podcast, and presents the Nature Podcast for the journal Nature. Now and then he also pops up on telly, usually when the feathers hit the fan during a bird flu outbreak. |
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Talk summary
On average, influenza viruses infect ~600 million people worldwide resulting in ~500,000 deaths each year. Influenza viruses are able to infect so many people year after year because of their seemingly endless capacity to “change their coats” to evade immunity built up through previous infections and vaccinations to infect us repeatedly during the course of our lifetimes. Influenza viruses evolve rapidly and although the influenza vaccine is normally very effective the viruses used to make the vaccine must be updated almost every year to keep pace with virus evolution. To understand and eventually predict the evolution of influenza viruses and to make better influenza vaccines we must understand where new viruses are most likely to arise and the factors that drive and limit virus evolution.
- When: 10 February, at 2000
- Where: British Council videoconference suite
Access to all events is free but it is important to book a place due to seating constraints. To attend, please write to booking@britishcouncil.bg
Climate Change and Food Security
23 February 2009
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Dr. Polly Ericksen is based at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford. She has 15 years of experience studying agricultural development, environmental management, climate change, and food security in the Africa, Latin America and South Asia. She holds an MSc in Economics and a PhD in Soil Science. |
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Talk summary
There is growing concern about the consequences of climate and other environmental change for food systems. For example, changes in climate patterns leading to increased drought in semi-arid areas may decrease livestock or crop production, affecting food supply and agricultural livelihoods. Food security depends on more than just agricultural production or the availability of a regular supply of food, however. Economic and social factors are also important, along with national and international policy. In many places food security is already a matter of concern, as it is regularly compromised by crop failure, illness, poor nutrition, poverty, conflicts and extreme weather events.
We will discuss the causes and determinants of food security in both rich and poor countries. We will discuss how the added risk of climate change will create new stresses and perhaps opportunities. We will discuss possible policy options for both improving food security and adapting to a changing climate.
- When: 23 February
- Where: British Council videoconference suite
Places are limited - to book a place please send an email to booking@britishcouncil.bg
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