Lunch Hour Lectures back on campus for UCL’s Bicentenary

For more than 80 years, UCL's in-person Lunch Hour Lecture series has introduced audiences to trailblazing ideas and research from across the university. On 15 July 2026, this much-loved tradition returned to campus with Bentham and Beyond: Genomes, Collections and Collaboration, a special bicentennial edition, bringing staff, students and members of the public together for an inspiring exploration of ancient DNA research. 

Free and open to all, the event offered audiences the opportunity to engage with world-leading research in an accessible and informal setting, while enjoying a packed lunch on campus. 

The lecture was opened by Professor Dame Hazel Genn (Pro-Provost Bicentennial) and delivered by Dr Lucy van Dorp (Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment), whose research explores how genetic evidence can deepen our understanding of the history of humans and their pathogens. Drawing on examples from archaeological remains, mummies, teeth and historical museum collections, Dr van Dorp discussed how advances in ancient DNA research are transforming the study of the past and revealing new insights into migration, disease, evolution and the lives of past populations. 

A particular highlight was the exploration of DNA recovered from UCL’s archival collections, including samples from the Auto-Icon and hair of philosopher and UCL’s spiritual founder Jeremy Bentham. In ongoing work, teams at UCL and the Natural History Museum are exploring the provenance of the hair on the auto-icon wax head and studying the evolution of bacteria found in Bentham’s teeth. 

These examples illustrated how historical collections continue to generate new knowledge, connecting heritage with cutting-edge scientific discovery and showcasing the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration between researchers, museum and collections specialists.

The lecture was chaired by science communicator and broadcaster Dr Adam Rutherford (Genetics, Evolution & Environment), whose discussion with Dr van Dorp highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of modern genomic research and the care that is needed when studying the DNA of past figures.

The conversation also explored how UCL’s commitment to openness and knowledge and data sharing have become central to advances in the field. These themes resonate with aspects of Bentham's utilitarian philosophy, creating a striking link between UCL's intellectual heritage and contemporary scientific practice.  

Bentham and Beyond showcased the value of bringing together historic collections, innovative research and diverse perspectives to find new ways of exploring our past and understanding our future; a core ambition of our bicentennial programme.  

This event was one of three Lunch Hour Lectures taking place during 2026, complementing the popular online series. It also marked the series' return to an in-person format for the first time since 2020, helping to re-establish the programme and create a lasting legacy that will inspire curiosity and discovery for many years to come.

Upcoming events

• Student London: 200 Years of Student Life in the Capital
  Join Professor Georgina Brewis and Dr Sam Blaxland to explore the history of students in London's first university and how they have shaped UCL and the capital. Find out more and book. 
• The Architectural History of UCL’s Bloomsbury Campus
  Join the Bartlett's Colin Thom to explore the design and construction of UCL's neoclassical building on Gower Street – a symbol of UCL's progressive founding principles – and the extensive growth of irs Bloomsbury campus since then. Find out more and book. 

Find out more

• Explore the full programme of UCL Lunch Hour Lectures 2026, including upcoming in-person and online events.  
• Watch past talks and recordings on the UCL Lunch Hour Lectures YouTube channel.  
• Discover more about the UCL200 programme of events taking place throughout the bicentenary year.  

• Learn more about Dr Lucy van Dorp's research and her work in ancient genomics.