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Wed 24 Sep 14:00: Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Conservation at Cambridge - Mon, 15/09/2025 - 14:45
Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

24 September 2024 | 2pm

Venue: Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, 47 Bateman St, Cambridge CB1 7AF (How to find us)

Attend Online: Join the live Zoom Webinar

More information: events@slcu.cam.ac.uk

Join colleagues from across academic, research, and professional services for a collaborative round table exploring best practices in supporting neurodiverse staff, students and visitors. This session will spotlight practical strategies, lived experiences, and institutional approaches that foster inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals working in higher education and research settings.

Please join us in this round table to discuss how we can support neurodiverse colleagues and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Ask a question of the panel

Please use this form to pre-submit questions you would like the panel to address. Provide as much context as you can so the panel can respond effectively.

Panellists

Dr Kelsey J.R.P Byers John Innes Centre

Kelsey Byers (any/all pronouns) is a Group Leader at the John Innes Centre (Norwich, UK) where they lead a team studying the role of floral scent in animal pollination and flowering plant evolution. Originally from the USA , Kelsey has lived in several countries and conducted research in several more. As a multiply-disabled and multiply-neurodivergent human (ASD, ADHD , Auditory Processing Disorder), Kelsey advocates for the inclusion of disabled and neurodivergent individuals in STEM fields, particularly in field biology.

Dr Amanda Brunton CCTL , University of Cambridge

Amanda has a particular interest in accessibility in teaching and is passionate about creating a welcoming learning environment for her students. She runs the Autism and ADHD -Friendly Writing Retreats for PhD students across the university. Amanda’s background is in Early Modern English history and literature, and she holds a PhD in English Literature.

Dr Julie Bailey University of Cambridge

Julie is an experienced educator, researcher and specialist mentor, supporting neurodivergent and disabled students to success in their studies and beyond. Following a career in secondary education and sixth form leadership, she returned to the University of Cambridge where she completed an MEd and PhD in higher education neurodiversity inclusion. Julie has lived experience of neurodivergence and was the founding chair of governors for The Cavendish School, an innovative specialist, state-funded school for autistic children and young people in and around Cambridge. She currently combines multiple student support, teaching and research roles, with a particular interest in the use of AI in supporting inclusion.

Dr Kate Hughes Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge

Kate Hughes (she/her) is a veterinary pathologist at the University of Cambridge Veterinary School. She teaches veterinary students in years 4, 5 and 6 of the course, in both traditional teaching settings, and in small groups during practical clinical rotations. Her interests include understanding how the physical teaching environment impacts student learning, and understanding the needs of neurodivergent students when designing teaching and learning activities.

Dr Eva Hellmann Chaired by Dr Eva Hellmann Training and Inclusive Support Manager, University of Cambridge

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Wed 24 Sep 14:00: Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Conservation-related talks - Mon, 15/09/2025 - 14:42
Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Join colleagues from across academic, research, and professional services for a collaborative round table exploring best practices in supporting neurodiverse staff, students and visitors. This session will spotlight practical strategies, lived experiences, and institutional approaches that foster inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals working in higher education and research settings.

Please join us in this round table to discuss how we can support neurodiverse colleagues and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Ask a question of the panel

Please use this form to pre-submit questions you would like the panel to address. Provide as much context as you can so the panel can respond effectively.

Panellists

Dr Kelsey J.R.P Byers John Innes Centre

Kelsey Byers (any/all pronouns) is a Group Leader at the John Innes Centre (Norwich, UK) where they lead a team studying the role of floral scent in animal pollination and flowering plant evolution. Originally from the USA , Kelsey has lived in several countries and conducted research in several more. As a multiply-disabled and multiply-neurodivergent human (ASD, ADHD , Auditory Processing Disorder), Kelsey advocates for the inclusion of disabled and neurodivergent individuals in STEM fields, particularly in field biology.

Dr Amanda Brunton CCTL , University of Cambridge

Amanda has a particular interest in accessibility in teaching and is passionate about creating a welcoming learning environment for her students. She runs the Autism and ADHD -Friendly Writing Retreats for PhD students across the university. Amanda’s background is in Early Modern English history and literature, and she holds a PhD in English Literature.

Dr Julie Bailey University of Cambridge

Julie is an experienced educator, researcher and specialist mentor, supporting neurodivergent and disabled students to success in their studies and beyond. Following a career in secondary education and sixth form leadership, she returned to the University of Cambridge where she completed an MEd and PhD in higher education neurodiversity inclusion. Julie has lived experience of neurodivergence and was the founding chair of governors for The Cavendish School, an innovative specialist, state-funded school for autistic children and young people in and around Cambridge. She currently combines multiple student support, teaching and research roles, with a particular interest in the use of AI in supporting inclusion.

Dr Kate Hughes Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge

Kate Hughes (she/her) is a veterinary pathologist at the University of Cambridge Veterinary School. She teaches veterinary students in years 4, 5 and 6 of the course, in both traditional teaching settings, and in small groups during practical clinical rotations. Her interests include understanding how the physical teaching environment impacts student learning, and understanding the needs of neurodivergent students when designing teaching and learning activities.

Dr Eva Hellmann Chaired by Dr Eva Hellmann Training and Inclusive Support Manager, University of Cambridge

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Wed 24 Sep 14:00: Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Conservation Talks - Mon, 15/09/2025 - 14:42
Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Join colleagues from across academic, research, and professional services for a collaborative round table exploring best practices in supporting neurodiverse staff, students and visitors. This session will spotlight practical strategies, lived experiences, and institutional approaches that foster inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals working in higher education and research settings.

Please join us in this round table to discuss how we can support neurodiverse colleagues and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Ask a question of the panel

Please use this form to pre-submit questions you would like the panel to address. Provide as much context as you can so the panel can respond effectively.

Panellists

Dr Kelsey J.R.P Byers John Innes Centre

Kelsey Byers (any/all pronouns) is a Group Leader at the John Innes Centre (Norwich, UK) where they lead a team studying the role of floral scent in animal pollination and flowering plant evolution. Originally from the USA , Kelsey has lived in several countries and conducted research in several more. As a multiply-disabled and multiply-neurodivergent human (ASD, ADHD , Auditory Processing Disorder), Kelsey advocates for the inclusion of disabled and neurodivergent individuals in STEM fields, particularly in field biology.

Dr Amanda Brunton CCTL , University of Cambridge

Amanda has a particular interest in accessibility in teaching and is passionate about creating a welcoming learning environment for her students. She runs the Autism and ADHD -Friendly Writing Retreats for PhD students across the university. Amanda’s background is in Early Modern English history and literature, and she holds a PhD in English Literature.

Dr Julie Bailey University of Cambridge

Julie is an experienced educator, researcher and specialist mentor, supporting neurodivergent and disabled students to success in their studies and beyond. Following a career in secondary education and sixth form leadership, she returned to the University of Cambridge where she completed an MEd and PhD in higher education neurodiversity inclusion. Julie has lived experience of neurodivergence and was the founding chair of governors for The Cavendish School, an innovative specialist, state-funded school for autistic children and young people in and around Cambridge. She currently combines multiple student support, teaching and research roles, with a particular interest in the use of AI in supporting inclusion.

Dr Kate Hughes Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge

Kate Hughes (she/her) is a veterinary pathologist at the University of Cambridge Veterinary School. She teaches veterinary students in years 4, 5 and 6 of the course, in both traditional teaching settings, and in small groups during practical clinical rotations. Her interests include understanding how the physical teaching environment impacts student learning, and understanding the needs of neurodivergent students when designing teaching and learning activities.

Dr Eva Hellmann Chaired by Dr Eva Hellmann Training and Inclusive Support Manager, University of Cambridge

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Wed 24 Sep 14:00: Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Conservation at Cambridge - Mon, 15/09/2025 - 14:42
Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Advancing Neuroinclusion: Best Practices Round Table

Join colleagues from across academic, research, and professional services for a collaborative round table exploring best practices in supporting neurodiverse staff, students and visitors. This session will spotlight practical strategies, lived experiences, and institutional approaches that foster inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals working in higher education and research settings.

Please join us in this round table to discuss how we can support neurodiverse colleagues and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Ask a question of the panel

Please use this form to pre-submit questions you would like the panel to address. Provide as much context as you can so the panel can respond effectively.

Panellists

Dr Kelsey J.R.P Byers John Innes Centre

Kelsey Byers (any/all pronouns) is a Group Leader at the John Innes Centre (Norwich, UK) where they lead a team studying the role of floral scent in animal pollination and flowering plant evolution. Originally from the USA , Kelsey has lived in several countries and conducted research in several more. As a multiply-disabled and multiply-neurodivergent human (ASD, ADHD , Auditory Processing Disorder), Kelsey advocates for the inclusion of disabled and neurodivergent individuals in STEM fields, particularly in field biology.

Dr Amanda Brunton CCTL , University of Cambridge

Amanda has a particular interest in accessibility in teaching and is passionate about creating a welcoming learning environment for her students. She runs the Autism and ADHD -Friendly Writing Retreats for PhD students across the university. Amanda’s background is in Early Modern English history and literature, and she holds a PhD in English Literature.

Dr Julie Bailey University of Cambridge

Julie is an experienced educator, researcher and specialist mentor, supporting neurodivergent and disabled students to success in their studies and beyond. Following a career in secondary education and sixth form leadership, she returned to the University of Cambridge where she completed an MEd and PhD in higher education neurodiversity inclusion. Julie has lived experience of neurodivergence and was the founding chair of governors for The Cavendish School, an innovative specialist, state-funded school for autistic children and young people in and around Cambridge. She currently combines multiple student support, teaching and research roles, with a particular interest in the use of AI in supporting inclusion.

Dr Kate Hughes Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge

Kate Hughes (she/her) is a veterinary pathologist at the University of Cambridge Veterinary School. She teaches veterinary students in years 4, 5 and 6 of the course, in both traditional teaching settings, and in small groups during practical clinical rotations. Her interests include understanding how the physical teaching environment impacts student learning, and understanding the needs of neurodivergent students when designing teaching and learning activities.

Dr Eva Hellmann Chaired by Dr Eva Hellmann Training and Inclusive Support Manager, University of Cambridge

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Wed 01 Oct 18:45: A Buzzing of Bees: Tales of Honeybees Through History Joint meeting with the Cambridgeshire Beekeepers' Association (NB Wednesday)

Conservation-related talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:04
A Buzzing of Bees: Tales of Honeybees Through History

Dino Martins will talk about the relationship between honeybees and people.

Honeybees are one of the most familiar and widespread insects that are kept, managed, exploited and familiar to humanity. It is often said that ‘There is a crisis around bees’, but the reality is that overall honeybee numbers are actually increasing worldwide, the result of more intensive management, mass production and commercial trade of queens and colonies.

With examples drawn from around the world, this talk will highlight the complex, multi-faceted relationship we have with honeybees and explore how we can all play a role in better stewardship of the planet.

Joint meeting with the Cambridgeshire Beekeepers' Association (NB Wednesday)

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Wed 01 Oct 18:45: A Buzzing of Bees: Tales of Honeybees Through History Joint meeting with the Cambridgeshire Beekeepers' Association (NB Wednesday)

Conservation Talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:04
A Buzzing of Bees: Tales of Honeybees Through History

Dino Martins will talk about the relationship between honeybees and people.

Honeybees are one of the most familiar and widespread insects that are kept, managed, exploited and familiar to humanity. It is often said that ‘There is a crisis around bees’, but the reality is that overall honeybee numbers are actually increasing worldwide, the result of more intensive management, mass production and commercial trade of queens and colonies.

With examples drawn from around the world, this talk will highlight the complex, multi-faceted relationship we have with honeybees and explore how we can all play a role in better stewardship of the planet.

Joint meeting with the Cambridgeshire Beekeepers' Association (NB Wednesday)

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Wed 01 Oct 18:45: A Buzzing of Bees: Tales of Honeybees Through History Joint meeting with the Cambridgeshire Beekeepers' Association (NB Wednesday)

Conservation at Cambridge - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:04
A Buzzing of Bees: Tales of Honeybees Through History

Dino Martins will talk about the relationship between honeybees and people.

Honeybees are one of the most familiar and widespread insects that are kept, managed, exploited and familiar to humanity. It is often said that ‘There is a crisis around bees’, but the reality is that overall honeybee numbers are actually increasing worldwide, the result of more intensive management, mass production and commercial trade of queens and colonies.

With examples drawn from around the world, this talk will highlight the complex, multi-faceted relationship we have with honeybees and explore how we can all play a role in better stewardship of the planet.

Joint meeting with the Cambridgeshire Beekeepers' Association (NB Wednesday)

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 27 Nov 18:45: History of the Little Wilbraham River

Conservation-related talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:03
History of the Little Wilbraham River

David Lomas is an active member of the Wilbraham River Protection Society as well as the CamElyOuse Catchment organisation.

He will explain the complex history of this chalk stream, its relationship to the adjacent habitats and why its survival is under threat as Cambridge continues to expand.

The Little Wilbraham River is just one example of the 29 water bodies in the Cam catchment – all of which are increasingly challenged by human activity.

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Thu 27 Nov 18:45: History of the Little Wilbraham River

Conservation Talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:03
History of the Little Wilbraham River

David Lomas is an active member of the Wilbraham River Protection Society as well as the CamElyOuse Catchment organisation.

He will explain the complex history of this chalk stream, its relationship to the adjacent habitats and why its survival is under threat as Cambridge continues to expand.

The Little Wilbraham River is just one example of the 29 water bodies in the Cam catchment – all of which are increasingly challenged by human activity.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 27 Nov 18:45: History of the Little Wilbraham River

Conservation at Cambridge - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:03
History of the Little Wilbraham River

David Lomas is an active member of the Wilbraham River Protection Society as well as the CamElyOuse Catchment organisation.

He will explain the complex history of this chalk stream, its relationship to the adjacent habitats and why its survival is under threat as Cambridge continues to expand.

The Little Wilbraham River is just one example of the 29 water bodies in the Cam catchment – all of which are increasingly challenged by human activity.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 20 Nov 18:45: A Visit to the Vercors

Conservation-related talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:01
A Visit to the Vercors

Monica Frisch will describe discovering some of the delights of the Vercors National Park in eastern France, with its dramatic limestone mountain scenery, fascinating flora, including alpine specialities such as gentians and orchids, beautiful butterflies and some of the other natural history.

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Thu 20 Nov 18:45: A Visit to the Vercors

Conservation Talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:01
A Visit to the Vercors

Monica Frisch will describe discovering some of the delights of the Vercors National Park in eastern France, with its dramatic limestone mountain scenery, fascinating flora, including alpine specialities such as gentians and orchids, beautiful butterflies and some of the other natural history.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 20 Nov 18:45: A Visit to the Vercors

Conservation at Cambridge - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:01
A Visit to the Vercors

Monica Frisch will describe discovering some of the delights of the Vercors National Park in eastern France, with its dramatic limestone mountain scenery, fascinating flora, including alpine specialities such as gentians and orchids, beautiful butterflies and some of the other natural history.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 13 Nov 18:45: Unsung Songbirds: Vocal Communication and Cognition in Corvids

Conservation-related talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:00
Unsung Songbirds: Vocal Communication and Cognition in Corvids

Corvids — members of the crow family including jackdaws, ravens, and magpies — are known for their remarkable behavioural flexibility and complex social lives.

Claudia will share insights from her research into how corvids communicate and make decisions, revealing the intricate ways these birds respond to and navigate their social environments.

The talk explores how vocalisations are used to maintain relationships, coordinate actions, and convey social information, and how ecological and social factors shape their cognitive processes. By examining corvids through the lens of socio-ecology, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of animal minds.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 13 Nov 18:45: Unsung Songbirds: Vocal Communication and Cognition in Corvids

Conservation Talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:00
Unsung Songbirds: Vocal Communication and Cognition in Corvids

Corvids — members of the crow family including jackdaws, ravens, and magpies — are known for their remarkable behavioural flexibility and complex social lives.

Claudia will share insights from her research into how corvids communicate and make decisions, revealing the intricate ways these birds respond to and navigate their social environments.

The talk explores how vocalisations are used to maintain relationships, coordinate actions, and convey social information, and how ecological and social factors shape their cognitive processes. By examining corvids through the lens of socio-ecology, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of animal minds.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 13 Nov 18:45: Unsung Songbirds: Vocal Communication and Cognition in Corvids

Conservation at Cambridge - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 17:00
Unsung Songbirds: Vocal Communication and Cognition in Corvids

Corvids — members of the crow family including jackdaws, ravens, and magpies — are known for their remarkable behavioural flexibility and complex social lives.

Claudia will share insights from her research into how corvids communicate and make decisions, revealing the intricate ways these birds respond to and navigate their social environments.

The talk explores how vocalisations are used to maintain relationships, coordinate actions, and convey social information, and how ecological and social factors shape their cognitive processes. By examining corvids through the lens of socio-ecology, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of animal minds.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 06 Nov 18:45: Looking for the Goshawk - The Lost Raptor

Conservation-related talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 16:58
Looking for the Goshawk - The Lost Raptor

Conor Jameson will give a personal, narrative account of the natural history of this mystery-shrouded bird of prey: how it lives, where it lives, and why it might be missing from our lives.

But there are increasing reports of goshawks, which at last are getting ‘out of the woods’. His search takes him to some unexpected places, at home and abroad.

The talk focuses on how this adventure turned into the essay which won him the BBC Wildlife Nature Writer of the Year, and then the book, which received awards from the Society of Authors and the Royal Literary Fund.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 06 Nov 18:45: Looking for the Goshawk - The Lost Raptor

Conservation Talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 16:58
Looking for the Goshawk - The Lost Raptor

Conor Jameson will give a personal, narrative account of the natural history of this mystery-shrouded bird of prey: how it lives, where it lives, and why it might be missing from our lives.

But there are increasing reports of goshawks, which at last are getting ‘out of the woods’. His search takes him to some unexpected places, at home and abroad.

The talk focuses on how this adventure turned into the essay which won him the BBC Wildlife Nature Writer of the Year, and then the book, which received awards from the Society of Authors and the Royal Literary Fund.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 06 Nov 18:45: Looking for the Goshawk - The Lost Raptor

Conservation at Cambridge - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 16:58
Looking for the Goshawk - The Lost Raptor

Conor Jameson will give a personal, narrative account of the natural history of this mystery-shrouded bird of prey: how it lives, where it lives, and why it might be missing from our lives.

But there are increasing reports of goshawks, which at last are getting ‘out of the woods’. His search takes him to some unexpected places, at home and abroad.

The talk focuses on how this adventure turned into the essay which won him the BBC Wildlife Nature Writer of the Year, and then the book, which received awards from the Society of Authors and the Royal Literary Fund.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

Thu 30 Oct 18:45: Plastics in the Environment

Conservation-related talks - Sun, 14/09/2025 - 16:55
Plastics in the Environment

Claire Barlow will talk about plastics: amazing materials that have transformed our lives, but at a cost. Their durability, one of the properties that makes them so useful, means that large and small pieces of plastic waste find their way into the natural environment, causing many different problems.

We will look at where the plastic waste comes from, and investigate some of the ways in which it affects living organisms. Solutions are not easy, but there are a lot of good initiatives and there is some hope for the future.

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