Anti-nuclear weapons scientist speaks in Manchester

04 Jun 2009

Professor Francesco Calogero at the Students' Union on 10 June

A mathematical physicist who was instrumental in a Nobel Peace Prize-winning scientific movement against nuclear weapons will speak at the University on Wednesday 10 June.

Prof Francesco Calogero from the University of Rome La Sapienza will introduce the documentary 'The Strangest Dream', which tells the story of Joseph Rotblat's efforts to halt nuclear proliferation.

Nuclear physicist Rotblat co-founded the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs - an international movement that brings together influential scholars and public figures concerned with reducing the danger of armed conflict.

The fascinating Eric Bednarski film brings to light Pugwash's behind the scenes role in defusing some of the tensest moments of the Cold War.

As well as being a world-renowned scientist, guest speaker Calogero served as Secretary General of the Pugwash Conferences – and in 1995 accepted the Nobel Peace Prize jointly awarded to Rotblat and the organisation.

The screening of the film will be followed by an opportunity to put questions to Prof Calogero about his work and that of the Pugwash movement.

The special screening is part of the Robin Bullough Symposium at The University of Manchester, which celebrates the life and work of the late Manchester mathematical physicist, who died last year aged 78.

The screening takes places at 7.15pm on Wednesday 10 June in the Council Chamber in the Students' Union Building on Oxford Road.

Staff interested in attending should reserve a place by emailing:

• Sebastian Rees at Sebastian.rees@manchester.ac.uk