The SCR Conversations provide an opportunity to learn about, and discuss, the work of invited speakers, prior to a formal dinner. The speakers, many of whom are members of the SCR, will include university staff, working in the humanities, the social sciences, and the sciences, but also people making a distinctive contribution to the cultural, social, and political life of Durham City and the North-East. In these informal, small-scale sessions, a brief interview with the speaker opens out into a wider conversation with all present, which can continue, for those attending the formal, over drinks and dinner. The SCR Conversations, which are open to all members of the SCR, MCR, and JCR interested in the work of the speakers, take place on Tuesdays, two or three times each term,  from 6.15 to 7.00pm, in the SCR – or, if more space is required, in the Williams Library.

Questions about the SCR Conversations can be directed to the SCR Academic Officer (currently Colin Crowder).

Epiphany 2026 Speaker

This term, there will be only one SCR Conversation:

Tuesday 17th February, 6.15-7.00pm, SCR
Dr Filip Szczypinski
Filip is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Automation, having joined Durham University in 2025. He is also a tutor at Chad’s and a member of the SCR. His research combines laboratory automation,  high-throughput experimentation, and data-driven methods to accelerate the discovery and development of functional molecules and materials, with a focus on supramolecular and physical organic chemistry.