Robin Ince is best known as the host of Radio 4's The Infinite Monkey Cage with Professor Brian Cox. Since writing his book I'm a Joke and So Are You, Robin has become increasingly engaged with trying to understand the disparity between how we project ourselves to the outside world and who we are on the inside. Weapons of Empathy explored neuroscience, psychology and how books can lead us into the minds of others and help us understand their world. It also contained jokes, impressions and poetry.

Jo Brand is a hugely popular comedian, writer and actor. Since making her start on the alternative comedy scene in the 80's, Jo is now best known for regular TV appearances on QI, Have I Got News for You and Would I Lie to You?, as well as hosting The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice. Jo talked about making more of a fuss, getting decent care, some proper respect and irritating people – with a few jokes too.

Steve Backshall is a BAFTA-winning naturalist, explorer and TV presenter, who recently graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with a MSc by Research in Bioscience. Steve gave a special careers talk for our students discussing routes into ‘Careers in Wildlife Media’ - sharing his unique experiences and advice, and taking questions from the audience.

Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science, Associate Vice President (International Engagement) and an Executive Director of the Web Science Institute at the University of Southampton, discussed trends in AI and their implications for society including national strategies for AI, geopolitical pressures on AI and data governance, and future scenarios. She laid out why we need to take a socio-technical approach to every aspect of the evolution of AI in society, to ensure that we all reap the benefits of AI and protect ourselves as much as possible from applications of AI that might be harmful.

Dame Lynne Owens, former Director General of the National Crime Agency until October 2021, discussed her career highlights, what it was like to be responsible for security at the Royal Wedding and the visit of President Obama, and why students should consider a career in policing. We also explored the current challenges facing policing and the law enforcement agencies and Dame Lynne’s hopes for the future.

Dame Fiona Reynolds DBE was Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge from 2012 until 2021. She came to the college from the National Trust, where she was Director-General from 2001-2012. During her time there, she made the Trust warmer and more welcoming, bringing the houses to life and raising the profile of the Trust’s work in the countryside. Her book The Fight for Beauty was published in 2016. Fiona was appointed CBE for services to the environment and conservation in 1998 and DBE in 2008.

Dame Sara Thornton is the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner with a UK-wide remit to encourage good practice in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of slavery and human trafficking offences and the identification of victims. Prior to holding this public appointment she was a chief constable for 12 years leading Thames Valley Police and then the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Darren Henley OBE is Chief Executive of the Arts Council England. He has led two independent reviews into music and cultural education which resulted in England’s first National Plan for Music Education, new networks of Music Education Hubs, Cultural Education Partnerships and Heritage Schools, the Museums and Schools programme, the BFI Film Academy and the National Youth Dance Company.

Hosted by the University’s Politics and International Relations programme and in partnership with the Canterbury and District Inter-Faith Action (CANDIFA) and The Canterbury Society, the prospective parliamentary candidates from the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats and an independent candidate attended Meet the Candidates for the 2019 General Election and made their case to the audience as to why they should be elected as Canterbury’s Member of Parliament.

Professor Sir John Curtice: ‘Delighted, Divided or Despairing? Voters’ Reactions to the Brexit Process