Discourse: Photodynamic Therapy: Uniting physicist and physician (Theatre)
Schedule
Fri May 29 2026 at 07:20 pm to 08:45 pm
UTC+01:00Location
The Royal Institution of Great Britain | London, EN
Laser expert Stephen Bown explores the physics of Photodynamic Therapy, and the new treatments it might unlock.About this Event
This page is for ‘in person’ Theatre tickets only. For online tickets,Both in person and online ticket holders will have access to the event recording.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is offering a revolutionary new treatment option for a range of diseases, particularly cancers. By combining the skills of physicists and physicians, PDT uses light to K*ll living cells without damaging the structural integrity of the surrounding tissue.
In this Discourse, laser medicine expert Stephen Bown draws on his decades of experience to explain how PDT works. Administering the drugs (photosensitisers) that sensitise tissues to light is relatively straightforward, but getting light to all relevant areas deep within the body is a major challenge. Endoscopes provide access to hollow organs, but ingenuity and detailed understanding of light scattering and absorption within solid tissues is required to deliver appropriate light doses everywhere within a target tissue.
Stephen will further describe associated leading-edge developments, including cancer detection by photosensitiser fluorescence, the use of PDT as a “primer” to stimulate immunological responses to cancers and, at a very early stage of development, the concept that PDT might be able to offer a new approach to treating type 2 diabetes. Join us to discover one of the most exciting areas of development in clinical science.
By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Ri's
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 cutting-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.
Steeped in nearly 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.
Discourses are free for Ri Members and Patrons - consider joining today.
Find out more about the history of Discourses on our blog.
The doors will open at approximately 6.45pm, and all ticket holders must take their seats by 7.20pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. There will be a brief question/answer period after the talk.
Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.
Event image via Pexels
Where is it happening?
The Royal Institution of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Street, London, United KingdomGBP 0.00 to GBP 21.44
