24-hour Lecture Marathon in Celebration of Two Remarkable Scientists

13th April 2015

World-leading academics from the University of Sheffield will be tackling some of life's biggest questions during a 24-hour lecture marathon in tribute to two remarkable scientists next week (16-17 April 2015).

The fundraising event, which is open to all, will aim to demystify big issues such as how to live longer, happier and healthier, how to decipher the geographical origin of a language, and what we should do about nuclear waste? 24 Hour Inspire, hosted by the charity Inspiration for Life, celebrates the lives of Dr Tim Richardson and Dr Victoria Henshaw who both worked at the University and sadly died of cancer. This year's event is supporting the work of Rotherham Hospice and Impact Young Heroes. Inspiration for Life, was launched by Dr Richardson in 2013 to promote lifelong learning, the public understanding of science, support students and to raise funds for local charities. Dr Richardson, who died aged 48 in 2013, was an outstanding scientist and an inspirational teacher who taught for over 20 years with great warmth, generosity and humour. Catherine Annabel, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Inspiration for Life, said: -In 2011 Tim single-handedly did his own 24-hour lecture marathon for Children in Need. -We hope that this event will pay tribute to his many achievements, as well as to his tremendous legacy of inspirational teaching, for which generations of undergraduates are deeply grateful. She added: -This is the third 24 Hour Inspire event in memory of Tim. Last year we raised over £3,000 and we are hoping to do even better this time. -Some of the University's most renowned speakers will be wowing audiences with fascinating experiments and demonstrations, so it is definitely worth popping in for a lecture or two. The event really does have something for everyone from science fiction and robots to the character of God and music for wellbeing. -There will be a refreshment stall to buy coffee and cake to help you stay awake if you have the stamina to stay for the full 24 hours. This year's event is also dedicated to Dr Victoria Henshaw, of the University's Department of Town and Regional Planning, who passed away last year aged 43. Dr Henshaw made a major impact with her research and contributions to knowledge, practice and policy locally, nationally and internationally. Professor John Flint, Head of the Department of Town and Regional Planning, said: -Victoria had an infectious enthusiasm for her subject. -She worked tirelessly to bring diverse groups together in their understanding and appreciation of the importance of sensory perceptions and high quality urban design for the achievement of more liveable and inclusive cities: a goal she believed in passionately and one that she would have gone on to achieve so much more in. -The field has lost an important pioneer able to innovatively communicate ideas and knowledge well beyond academia and our Department has lost a respected and popular colleague and friend. 24 Hour Inspire will kick off at 5pm on Thursday 16 April 2015 and continue until 5pm on Friday 17 April 2015 at the University of Sheffield's Hicks Building on Hounsfield Road. Intriguing lectures on this year's programme include: Throwing spanners at nanobots, The insider's guide to Wolf Hall, Star Trek science in the NHS today and what is life? Tickets are available on the door. Minimum donation is £2 per lecture or £7 for the full programme. For more information and the full programme visit www.inspirationforlife.co.uk and follow the event on Twitter @inspirationfor2