_About the Lecture – “OPENING UP TO SCIENCE” _
The fruits of science are evident all around us. Science and its inventions affect the way we run our homes, our leisure pursuits, our health choices, the way we do business and our stewardship of the planet. Innovation, derived from the application and commercial exploitation of science, is seen by many as the key to the growth and competitive edge of industry. Even the opinions we form as individuals and the behaviours of businesses are heavily dependent on the way we receive and understand new scientific advances. Why is it therefore that decreasing numbers of young people in the Western world seem to be enthused by science at school and subsequently progress into scientific careers? And why have recent official reports highlighted both the importance of science to economic growth and, at the same time, commented on the apparent failure of industry to engage optimally with innovative science?

In his lecture, Sir Richard will explore some of the paradoxes presented by our attitude to science today and argue that, without a better level of scientific dialogue and literacy, both industry and society will throw away major opportunities.

_About Sir Richard Sykes _
Sir Richard Sykes DSc FRS FMedSci became Rector of Imperial College London in January 2001. Before joining Imperial, Sir Richard had a thirty year career in the pharmaceutical industry, becoming Chairman and Chief Executive of Glaxo Wellcome, and then GlaxoSmithKline, which he left as Chairman in 2002. He received a knighthood in 1994 for services to the pharmaceutical industry.

Sir Richard serves on a number of scientific, higher education and government committees and is also Chair of the WHO International Advisory Board which oversees the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Sir Richard holds a number of honorary degrees, fellowships and awards both in the UK and overseas, and also holds a number of Directorships. He was awarded Honorary Citizenship of Singapore in 2004 for his contribution to the development of the country’s biomedical sciences industry.

_About Imperial College London and its Centenary _
Imperial College London – rated as the world’s ninth best university in the 2006 Times Higher Education Supplement University Rankings – is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 11,500 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality. Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and management and delivers practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment – underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

With 62 Fellows of the Royal Society among our current academic staff and distinguished past members of the College including 14 Nobel Laureates and two Fields Medallists, Imperial’s contribution to society has been immense. Inventions and innovations include the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of our research for the benefit of all continues today with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to tackle climate change and mathematical modelling to predict and control the spread of infectious diseases.

The College’s 100 years of living science will be celebrated throughout 2007 with a range of events to mark the Centenary of the signing of Imperial’s founding charter on 8 July 1907.