Public Lectures at Nanyang Technological University

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Prof Edmond H. Fischer, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1992), President of the World Cultural Council
Lee Kong Chian Distinguished Professor

Topic:	"The Origin of Reversible Protein Physpohorylation as a Regulartory Mechanism"
Date:	Monday, 30 September 2013
Time:	3.45pm–4.45pm
Venue:	School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Auditorium
Abstract:	A historical account of the discovery of reversible protein phosphorylation will be presented. It occurred close to 60 years ago during a study undertaken with Ed Krebs to elucidate the complex hormonal regulation of glycogen phosphorylase. While it is extremely simple, it came nevertheless as a complete surprise because essentially nothing was known at that time about the mechanism of enzyme regulation or the structure and function of phosphoproteins.

Prof Sir Paul Nurse, FRS, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (2001), President of Royal Society, UK, President Emeritus & Head of the Laboratory of Yeast Genetics and Cell Biology at the Rockefeller University, U.S., Winner of “Albert Einstein” World Award of Science (2013)
Lee Kong Chian Distinguished Professor

Topic:	"Controlling the Cell Cycle"
Date:	Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Time:	10.00am–11.00am
Venue:	School of Biological Sciences (SBS) Classroom 1
Abstract:	Both S-phase and mitosis are common to all cell cycles and both are necessary for the two newly divided cells to receive a full complement of genes. In fission yeast the onset of S-phase and mitosis can be controlled by a single cyclin dependent kinase with different levels of CDK activity bringing about progression through the cell cycle in an orderly fashion. A low CDK activity is sufficient to bring about S-phase whilst a high activity blocks a further S-phase and is needed for onset of mitosis.

Prof Petteri Nisunen, Professor in Contemporary Art at Aalto University, Finland & Mr Tommi Grönlund, Joint Winners of “Leonardo da Vinci” World Award of Arts (2013)

Topic:	"Sites,Senses and Synergies Selected Works 1993-2013"
Date:	Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Time:	11.30am–12.30pm
Venue:	Reality Theater, Research Techno Plaza
Abstract:	The lecture will focus on issues which are essential to the artistic practice of Prof Petteri Nisunen and his colleague Mr Tommi Grönlund. Some selected examples of their works will be presented at the lecture. By analyzing the correlation of the essential issues, such as space, time and natural phenomena, etc, the lecture provide more background for the audience to understand their thoughts behind their work.

Prof Colin Blakemore, Professor of Neuroscience & Philosophy at University of London, Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience at Oxford, Vice President of the World Cultural Council

Topic:	"Neuroscience and Society"
Date:	Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Time:	10.30am–11.30am
Venue:	HSS Auditorium
Abstract:	The human brain is the most complex structure in the known universe. Is it a machine? If so, what is the mind and how can we have free will? Is the brain a computer? If so, how do we understand the world and have original thoughts? Answers may come through elucidating the way that the brain develops and programs itself from the signals that it receives from the outside world through the sense organs.