The new series continues with a focus on education for hope.

The first of the seven lectures from the new series takes place on Thursday 4 April from 7:00pm and will be delivered by Dr Andrew Morton, Research and Knowledge Exchange Officer at Leeds Trinity University. 

The aim of the lecture series is to highlight how society can humanise the world through education and the study of ethics, philosophy, technology and artificial intelligence, whilst still being inquisitive about the nature of values, ethics and mission in a contemporary, complex and demanding higher education environment. 

Other speakers in this year’s series include international scholars including Dr Catriona Russell, Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin; Dr Mary Mihovilovic, Associate Professor at St Mary’s University in Twickenham; Neil Messer, Professor of Theological Bioethics at Baylor University in Texas; and Dr Nancy Rourke, Associate Professor and Interim Department Chair at Canisius College in Boston, to name a few.  

Dr Ann Marie Mealey, Director of Catholic Mission at Leeds Trinity University, said: “The Beyond the Dark Clouds series was created in keeping with our Catholic roots and our academic portfolio and as a way of contributing to debates in the public square with regards to some of the most pressing ethical issues of our times. The lectures are open to anyone interested in Catholic Social Teaching, ethics and the common good. The lectures will take place online and are free to attend.”  

Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, said: “When Leeds Trinity was established in 1966, the vision was one of transformation of lives through education which would be informed by faith. This hasn’t changed. We are still focused on a vision of inclusivity and hope for the potential of each and every student at our University and this is very much at the heart of everything we do at Leeds Trinity. We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive establishment, welcoming students from all backgrounds and beliefs as we promote the principles of dignity, respect, social justice, equality and inclusion. 

“Thank you to Dr Ann Marie Mealey, who since being appointed as the Director of Catholic Mission at Leeds Trinity has worked hard to support the Leeds Trinity University Strategic Plan and promote our core values and principles. I am looking forward to this year’s Beyond the Dark Clouds lecture series and hearing from all the speakers.”  

For more information and to book for any of the lectures in the 2024 Beyond the Dark Clouds series, visit Leeds Trinity University’s events page.