- Aston University hosted inaugural Distinguished Lecture on 25 May
- Nobel Laureate Peter Agre discussed ground-breaking aquaporin channel discovery and its scientific importance
- Professor Agre was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2003.
Over 100 invited guests attended the inaugural Aston University Distinguished Lecture given by Nobel Laureate Peter Agre on Thursday 25 May.
Professor Agre, an eminent American physician and molecular biologist and Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2003 “for the discovery of water channels”.
He delivered a captivating address on his ground-breaking discovery of aquaporin channels and its profound impact on scientific research in this field.
The event, which was attended by University alumni, staff, students and members of the scientific community, was opened by Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University. Professor Subic established this annual lecture series to bring influential speakers to the University to address major scientific breakthroughs, social, cultural and policy issues.
Speaking after the lecture, he said:
"I am delighted and honoured that Professor Peter Agre, Nobel Laureate and renowned physician and molecular biologist, delivered our first Aston University Distinguished Lecture.
“This event reflects our commitment to bringing the best and brightest minds to our campus to engage with our community on issues that shape our world. I am certain that Peter’s talk on his ground-breaking work will continue to inspire the bioscience research community, here at Aston University and beyond."
Professor Agre said:
"It is a privilege to give the very first Aston University Distinguished Lecture and have this opportunity to share my work on aquaporin channels. I am grateful for the warm welcome extended to me by Vice-Chancellor Professor Aleks Subic and his colleagues in the Aston University community.”
The lecture was followed by a drinks reception which provided an opportunity for guests to engage in further conversation with Professor Agre and to network.
A video recording of the Annual Distinguished Lecture will be made available on the University website at a later date.
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiary groups – students, business and the professions, and the West Midlands region and wider society. Located in Birmingham at the heart of a vibrant city, the campus houses all the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Aleks Subic is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University is ranked 22nd in the UK in the Guardian University Guide, based on measures including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects. The Aston Business School MBA programme was ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk