The programme is renowned for its high quality and range of speakers, with this year’s lectures set to further enhance that reputation.

Highlights include acclaimed writer and broadcaster Simon Singh exploring the start of our universe and who cracked the code of life in The Big Bang: History of the World in 60 Minutes, and journalist and commentator David Aaronovitch, giving a take on the political suspicions of our time in Conspiracy Theories: from JFK to Princess Diana.

The series, supported by John Smith and Son booksellers, and the Apex City Quay Hotel, starts on February 4 when Sir Craig Reedie, International Olympic Committee member, will explain How The Games Were Won, an analysis of how the 2012 Games were secured for London, how it will impact on the UK and opportunities the Games may bring for Scotland.

Other speakers will include, on February 18, Professor Andrew Morris, Scotland's leading clinician on diabetes, with Metabolic Mayhem! How should we confront the Diabetes Epidemic?; Dr David Tappin, of the British Geological Society, on April 1, with Tsunamis — the Catastrophic Event, and on May 27, Dr Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of CIVICUS and CEO of the World Alliance for Citizen Participation, will speak on Rethinking Democracy: Governance, Civil Society and the Depending Democratic Effect.

All lectures, which are free, will take place in the Tower Extension Lecture Theatre at 6 pm. All are welcome.

Further information on the entire programme is available at www.dundee.ac.uk/events, and inquiries can be directed by email to events@dundee.ac.uk or telephone 01382 384460.