Each January, Newcastle University invites children aged 10-14 to the Holmes Lectures. The event is a public science lecture series designed to inspire the next generation of scientists. First established in 1937, these talks are part of the INSIGHTS Public Lecture programme and are free and open to all.
This year, two NIHR Newcastle BRC researchers presented the lectures, bringing science to life for children and families in Newcastle.
NIHR Newcastle BRC Deputy Director and Theme Co-Lead for Musculoskeletal Disease and Inflammation Medicine Professor John Isaacs delivered the first of the Holmes Lectures on 21 January 2026, exploring the immune system by comparing it to an army defending the body. Professor Isaacs shared the science of immunity in a clear, engaging way that children could understand how our normal immune system works, why it goes wrong in autoimmunity and how scientists can develop ways to correct it.
He said: "Having never spoken about my work to young people before I was more nervous than usual before this lecture. The audience were incredibly engaging, however, and asked a lot of really insightful questions. If just one of them chooses a career in science as a consequence, that’s a huge result for me.”
A week later on the 28th of January 2026, NIHR Newcastle Skin Disease, Oral Disease and Immunogenomics Research Theme member, Dr Christopher Nile, along with his dentist colleague, Dr Mark Gidley, gave the second Holmes Lecture.
Dr Nile shared how the interaction between complex oral microbial communities and our immune system are a key determinant of oral health and disease. In addition, Dr Nile demonstrated how oral health impacts on general health, and how oral diseases may have links to other inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Dr Gidley also shared his clinical experience as a dentist treating oral diseases and helped advise the audience on how they can support their immune system and prevent oral disease by looking after their oral health.
Dr Nile said: "This was one of the most challenging lectures I have ever given but also one of the most enjoyable. What made it enjoyable was the fantastic audience. It was great to see so many young people with a keen interest in science. Furthermore, they thoroughly engaged in the lecture and asked me and Dr Gidley excellent and challenging questions. As a STEM ambassador I am passionate about encouraging the next generation of scientist and based on the evidence from this lecture the future of scientific research in the North-East looks bright."
The Holmes Lectures aren’t just about sharing knowledge. They are about fostering an interest in science. By bringing real researchers out of the lab and in front of a live audience, events like these make scientific discovery tangible and exciting. For Prof Isaacs and Dr Nile, this was a chance to take complex ideas about the human body and make them accessible, showing young people the excitement about science and why it matters.
Watch the lectures here.