Discourses

Health inequalities in London: From insights to lasting impact (Discourse)

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Join Kevin Fenton as he explores the societal, community and individual threads that weave together and drive the growing health inequalities we see today.

The COVID-19 pandemic showed the world how our social and physical connections to each other can both harm and help us and why an inequitable world is everyone's problem. A girl born in Tower Hamlets is expected to live 12 years less in good health than someone born just 10 miles away in Wandsworth. In 2020 the premature mortality rate in the most deprived areas of London was almost three times that of the least deprived. Irrespective of your condition in life, these inequalities affect our communities, the services we receive, and ultimately our ability to live safe, economically productive and healthy lives in our city.

But there is hope. Drawing upon his career tackling disparities, first in HIV and, more recently, COVID-19, Kevin explores where we can do better, what we can do next, and how together we can create a more equitable and just legacy for current and future generations.

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Kevin Fenton

Professor Kevin Fenton is a senior public health expert and infectious disease epidemiologist who has worked in various public health executive leadership roles across government and academia in the UK and internationally, including leading in London's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was awarded a CBE in the 2022 New Year honours list for services to public health.

Timing

Doors to the Theatre will open at about 6.50pm.

All attendees must be seated in the Theatre by 7.20pm. The Discourse will start promptly at 7.30pm.

A Pay Bar will be available from 6.00pm. It will open again after the talk, until 9.30pm.

 

More about Discourses

Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the leading-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.

Steeped in two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.

Find out more about the history of the Friday Evening Discourses on our blog.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions