'Life Fantastic' series at Royal Institution focusing on developmental biology London

The iconic lectures are to be presented this year by Dr Alison Woollard, University Lecturer in Genetics at the University of Oxford, and will focus on developmental biology. To cover how cells develop and evolve, how these processes are controlled and how this information can help us treat disease, the three 'Life Fantastic' programmes will be broadcast over the festive period.

Begun by Michael Faraday in 1825, the CHRISTMAS LECTURES are broadcast on UK television every year and are available online thereafter, reaching over a million viewers across the world annually. With the theme of the lectures changing every year, they are delivered by an expert in their field, and have been informing children and adults alike since their beginning. The three programmes in the 'Life Fantastic' series will be filmed in December at the Royal Institution, an independent charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science.

Keith Thompson, Chief Executive of the Cell Therapy Catapult, said: 'As an organisation that values good science and the quality of the UK research base, the Cell Therapy Catapult is delighted to support the 2013 CHRISTMAS LECTURES at the Royal Institution. The fundamental research carried out in laboratories across the world is essential for the development of techniques such as cell therapy, and the Royal Institution plays an important role in encouraging people to think further about science, its latest advances and its applications.'

Dr Gail Cardew, Director of Science and Education at the Royal Institution said: ‘The topic this year was really inspired by the great British achievements in cell and developmental biology over the past 15 years. We are delighted to welcome Cell Therapy Catapult on board as one of our supporters.’