The challenge of developing an artificial blood substitute and how new techniques are helping this quest are the focus of the latest free public lecture in this year’s Café Scientifique programme supported by the University of Essex.

Every month Café Scientifique hosted by the Minories Art Gallery Café in Colchester welcomes a leading academic to discuss their research.

On Wednesday 13 November, Professor Chris Cooper, Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Essex, and the Director of the Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, will talk about his research into the development of artificial blood.

The search for a blood substitute has long been a holy grail for transfusion scientists as it could guarantee a safe long-lasting solution capable of reaching parts of the world that current blood supply cannot access. Interestingly recent TV programmes have used artificial blood as a tool to enable vampires to live in harmony with humans. This talk will show how modern chemical techniques have played a vital part in the research.

The talk will be followed by an open discussion.
Doors open at 6.30pm and the talk starts at 7pm. Admission is free.

Café Scientifique, which started in Leeds in 1998, is a forum aimed at bringing the public and scientists together to learn about and discuss current scientific issues. The Colchester Café Scientifique is sponsored by the University of Essex. The speakers give their time free of charge. For further information call Ray White on 01621 891598.

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More information

For more information or to speak to Professor Chris Cooper contact the Communications Office on 01206 874377 or e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk