Leading experts from health, culture and science will feature in Chester University's latest series of free talks. 

This year's Chester Ideas line-up has now been confirmed, with a host of speakers due to give free talks on a range of topics between now and June 2026.

Speakers lined up for the fourth annual programme include deputy chief medical officer for England, professor Dame Jenny Harries, head of Liverpool's International Slavery Museum, Michelle Charters OBE, and professor Mona Siddiqui.  

Professor Dame Jenny Harries will kick off the series on October 22, with a talk titled 'Alternative Medical Careers'.

This will provide a high-level journey through some of the lesser known medical specialties and career pathway opportunities.

Michelle Charters OBE will deliver a talk about the importance of the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool and the wider region - alongside the public understanding of the transatlantic slave trade. 

It will take place on October 30 as part of the Culture and Society RKEI public lecture series.

Professor Mona Siddiqui, of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at the University of Edinburgh, will speak about her work into religion and interfaith dialogue.

Her talk, 'Rethinking Faith, Values and Limits of Pluralism', will take place on February 12.

A number of inaugural lectures by newly appointed professors will also take place across the season.

One of the speakers includes Rob Noonan, professor of Public Health, who will speak about 'People over Profit: Changing the Goal for a Healthier, Fairer Future', on December 3.

Silvester Czanner, professor of Computer Science, will also give a talk titled 'Digital Anatomy with Precision: Transforming Medical Training and Unlocking Healthcare Knowledge', on February 9. 

On March 4, there will be a lecture about Macclesfield Baths and Washhouses in the 19^th Century, by Dr Sarah Griffiths - alongside a talk titled 'Russia, Ukraine and the Revenge of History?' on April 16, led by Professor Mark Galeotti.  

Concluding the season will be the Cheshire Prize for Literature, which will welcome author Ele Fountain for its awards evening on July 2.

Furthermore, the third Festival of Ideas in July will once again see a series of public events held across the city.  

The University of Chester's Riverside Museum, at the Wheeler building, will be open once a month, featuring permanent collection of curiosities from the world of medicine, nursing, midwifery and social work.

It also features an original letter written by Florence Nightingale. 

"We had such a wonderful response to last year's series, great audiences, thoughtful discussion and brilliant questions," said professor Tim Grady, culture and society RKEI director.

"This year's series promises the same and more, so do join us on campus to hear these first-rate speakers." 

All talks take place at the University's Chester campuses and are free, except for Seed Talks on October 28 and February 19.

Booking is required for all events except for the monthly Riverside Museum open days.  For a complete list and full information on all the Chester Ideas events, please visit here.