Holmes Lectures for Children: Our immune system (Lecture 1)

The annual Holmes Lectures are designed for children aged 10 to 14 with the intention of fostering an interest in science. The lectures first took place at Newcastle University in 1937 and have covered a wide range of topics including sustainability, forensic science, medical physics, chemistry and sports science. The talks form part of the INSIGHTS Public Lecture programme and are held every January.

The 2026 Holmes Lectures will be given by researchers from Newcastle University’s Faculty of Medical Sciences and School of Dental Sciences and will take place in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building.

Our immune system is just like a well-organised army, designed to recognise and attack invaders that enter our body, such as bugs. Sometimes, however, our immune system makes mistakes and thinks our own body is the enemy. The subsequent attack can be devastating, causing ‘autoimmune’ diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. Learn how our normal immune system works, why it goes wrong in autoimmunity and how scientists can develop ways to correct it.

The 2026 Holmes Lectures for Children will continue on Wednesday 28 January with lecture 2, Guardians of health: how oral hygiene supports our immune system.

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Ticket Information

• Click on the 'Reserve a spot' button and add your name and contact details to the short form.
• This event will be held in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building at Newcastle University (NE1 7RU).
• We operate a paperless ticketing system, so you do not need to print your tickets. Just give your name at the door.
• To avoid crowding, audience members are asked to arrive for events no earlier than 15 minutes before the advertised start time.
• For more information about what to expect when attending a lecture visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures/attending-a-lecture

Venue Details and Accessibility

• The Herschel Building is located a 3-minute walk from Haymarket Metro Station and Bus Station, and is easily accessible by Public Transport.
• The Curtis Auditorium is a tiered lecture theatre and has 8 designated spaces for wheelchair users, with flat-level access. There is also a hearing loop system and an accessible toilet nearby.
• Please note any access requirements on your booking form.

Latest News

You can view event information and join the public lectures mailing list to receive the latest news at www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures.

Disclaimer

The University will make all reasonable efforts to deliver INSIGHTS Public Lectures. However, it may be necessary to make changes in response to significant disruption.

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