Across the programme, we’ll be exploring topics and issues such as sleep and our biological clock; how Florence Nightingale influenced policy makers through her use of data; human and artificial intelligence from a range of viewpoints; and how roads – or more specifically roadside verges – can help improve biodiversity and sustainability.
I’m honoured to be giving the first talk, which will present a new public health approach to reducing the harms related to illicit drug use in the UK.
It is widely known that the UK, including Medway, has a drug problem. Across the country, drug-related deaths are at record levels. It has been estimated that drug-related crime costs the nation £9 billion every year. From this, it is obvious that the government’s current approach to reducing deaths and crime, including the threat of punishment, is not working. However, I believe that a public health approach that shifts attention to the issues that cause the most harm, including poverty, poor mental health, and the use of multiple substances, including tobacco and alcohol as well as heroin and cocaine, can be more effective.
I hope my lecture will be of interest to anyone who has ever wondered why our drug policies have been so ineffective for so long, and wants to learn what can be done about this.
I look forward to seeing everybody there.
Professor in Criminal Justice
Medway Talks will be held in the Pilkington Lecture Theatre (PK008) in the Pilkington Building on the Medway campus. All talks are free and open to all, but registration is required. Refreshments will be available on arrival. Further information on the series is available on the registration page.
Medway Campus