Host: Ian Gilbert 

Venue: MSI Small Lecture Theatre, SLS

Abstract  

Endometriosis is a chronic neuroinflammatory condition that affects an estimated 190 women million worldwide. It is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms, fatigue and infertility. This lecture will provide an overview of the historical trajectory of medical treatments for endometriosis, discuss the current best practices supported by recent evidence, and explore innovative approaches being investigated in our laboratory at the University of Edinburgh to address the unmet clinical needs of patients. Our research is exploring the potential of targeted biological therapies, including therapies aimed at correcting the altered peritoneal microenvironment in endometriosis and immunomodulatory agents. These promising approaches could offer more precise treatments with fewer systemic effects. The future of treatment lies in a more personalised, precision-medicine approach that addresses not just symptom relief but also the underlying pathophysiology of the disease.     This seminar is externally funded. 

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This colourful exhibition showcases the work of painter Peter Flynn, celebrating fifty years since he enrolled at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. The paintings on display represent ideas and thoughts influenced by the artist’s travels and environment. They explore what he has gathered both physically and emotionally as he travels around the world and in the world. The exhibition features recent work as well as some of Peter’s student works from the Art College Collection.

Peter Flynn gained his Diploma in Art at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in 1979, completing a postgraduate year in 1980. He went on to train as a teacher and during this time was awarded the prestigious Elizabeth Greenshield Award, allowing him to travel and work in various countries. On his return he was invited to take part in the Blackness Public Art Programme, creating the Lochee Fence and the Polepark Arch.

Peter continued to exhibit his work while also enjoying a long career in teaching, ultimately becoming Principal Teacher of Art at St John’s RC High School. Since retiring he has been painting and exhibiting full-time.

The exhibition is open Monday-Friday 9.30am-7pm (last entry 5pm). Please note that the Tower Building will be closed for public holidays on 18 and 21 April and 5 May.

An illustrated booklet produced to accompany the exhibition is available to purchase via the Online Shop.

Header image: Peter Flynn, Marrakesh 1 (detail) (copyright the artist)

Main image: Peter Flynn, Abandoned Station (detail) (copyright the artist)

Host: Dario Alessi

Venue: MSI Small Lecture Theatre, SLS

Abstract:

John Scott’s principal contribution was the discovery of AKAP signalling complexes that cluster the broad specificity signaling enzyme protein kinase A (PKA) with additional enzymes at defined subcellular locations. Using a combination of structural and biochemical approaches he defined the structural basis for PKA anchoring by showing that a conserved amphipathic helix on the AKAP slots into a grove in the docking and dimerization domain of the protein kinase A regulatory subunit. Then Scott identified multivalent AKAPs that target PKA and protein phosphatases to catalyze the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of synaptic glutamate receptors. This permits bi-directional control of ion channel activity during excitatory synaptic transmission. He also defined AKAP complexes that incorporate phosphodiesterases to locally degrade cAMP and thus rapidly terminate the second messenger signal in the vicinity of anchored PKA. Using a combination of biochemical, cellular, and genetic approaches he has demonstrated that anchored complexes of signalling enzymes locally regulate second messenger mediated signal transduction events. The biological relevance of these discoveries is underscored by functional studies that have established the contribution of AKAP signalling complexes in the organization of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Recent studies have shown that defects in AKAP signalling underlie synaptic transmission, endocrine disorders including type 2 Diabetes and Cushing’s syndrome and the adolescent cancer Fibrolamellar carcinoma.

Bio:

John Scott is a world leader in studies of cell-signalling and an academic leader in pharmacology. He discovered the family of A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins and showed how they organize cell-signalling pathways in time and space at the molecular and structural levels. His scientific work has markedly altered our perceptions about the dynamic organization of intracellular signalling pathways. He is Professor and Chair of Pharmacology and Edwin Krebs-Hilma Speights Professor of Cell Signalling and Cancer Biology at University of Washington.

Professor Jonathan Glazzard is the Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice in the School of Education at the University of Hull.

Jonathan's research focuses on the experiences of minoritised individuals and groups. Her serves on the Editorial Boards of several journals including the International Journal of Educational and Life Transitions and Equity in Education and Society. He is a co-convenor of the British Educational Research Association Special Interest Group, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education.

His current research focuses on the educational transitions of young people in the youth justice system. Recent publications have focused on mental health, educational and life transitions and early reading development in children.
Jonathan holds Visiting Professorships at BGU, Lincoln, Newman University, Birmingham and the University of Northampton.

Abstract

Young people who are held in youth offending institutions are likely to have been excluded from school, more likely to be neurodivergent or have learning difficulties or disabilities.

The ‘school to prison pipeline’ is well-documented in the criminology literature. Many will have experienced adverse childhood experiences and consequently are more likely to have poor mental health.

Less attention has been given to this field of research within education journals, and we could not source studies which specifically explored the educational transitions of incarcerated young people.

During the presentation, I will present findings from a systematic literature review and introduce an original model to facilitate smoother educational transitions for this group.

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