Birkbeck, University of London launches a series of free events, activities and resources

The programme covers three themes: ‘contemporary perspectives’, ‘resilience and support’, and ‘get inspired’. The theme ‘contemporary perspectives’, will provide perspectives from Birkbeck’s experts on a range of thought-provoking and topical issues, including COVID-19. ‘Resilience and support’ will encompass the College’s community of academics, alumni and students providing practical advice, guidance and suggestions about how to help ourselves and each other, whilst social distancing; and ‘get inspired’ will involve a series of live events and activities.

Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck, said:

This programme is designed to be engaging and inspiring for members of the public and our College community, by giving perspectives on coronavirus and offering support and advice during this period, as well as highlighting Birkbeck’s research highlights and themes, offering a positive message in challenging times.

To mark the launch of the programme, Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck, opened the series with an introductory video and videos were made available of Professor Joanna Bourke, Professor of History, discussing Birkbeck’s resilience during WW2; and Professor Roger Luckhurst, Professor in Modern and Contemporary Literature, explaining how the zombie film has prepared us for pandemics and lockdowns. 

Additionally to further mark the launch, on Friday 22 May at 5:30pm there will be a conversation between Professor Latchman and Baroness Joan Bakewell, President of Birkbeck, on a topic of national interest, COVID-19; covering personal experiences of coping with lockdown, their opinions on how the government has handled the crisis, and how they believe the world will change in the future. There will also be a live question and answer session with Baroness Bakewell. Book onto the event.

Professor Julian Swann, Pro-Vice Master for Research at Birkbeck, commented:

We have a really exciting line up of events, activities and resources which is ever expanding. It’s bringing together the best of Birkbeck and it’s wonderful to see so many of our academics eager to be part of the series.

Follow Birkbeck, University of London on Facebook for regular updates on the series and keep an eye on the Birkbeck Inspires website for content as its released as well as timings of future bookable live events.