The Daphne Jackson Trust and University of Surrey held its inaugural Daphne Jackson Day on 18^th November 2020. The event inspired everyone to find their passion for science and research, and celebrated the legacy of Professor Daphne Jackson.

Hosted by Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE FRS, Distinguished Chair in theoretical physics and Professor of the public engagement of science, the event took place virtually this year and attracted nearly 250 attendees, including families and young people, joining from their homes across the UK.

Inspirational stories and presentations were shared from a range of fantastic speakers from STEM and higher education, including Professor Max Lu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, our own Dr Katie Perry, Chief Executive of the Daphne Jackson Trust and Professor Rebecca Richards-Kortum, Professor of Bioengineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University, who delivered the keynote presentation.

The audience were treated to the premiere of a new film ‘Together we can make a difference’ which inspired and celebrated diversity in science. The video was made in conjunction with the University of Surrey and by Dr Danuta Sampson, a Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, and whom the idea for the first Daphne Jackson Day originated from.

The audience then listened to a rousing panel and Q&A discussion with Daphne Jackson Fellows and scientists and researchers from the University of Surrey, which included Professor Margaret Rayman, Professor of Nutritional Medicine, Dr John Rayman, Director of Employability, and Daphne Jackson Fellows, Dr Emma Hellawell and Dr Erol Hasan.

Chief Executive, Dr Katie Perry said: “It really was a fantastic event and celebrated everything that Daphne stood for. I’m sure that if she was here with us today, she would be extremely proud! Thank you to everybody who helped in organising the event, especially Dr Sampson and the University of Surrey’s events team”.

The Trust’s Twitter was buzzing with tweets and photos throughout the event using the hashtag #DaphneJacksonDay, you can take a look at our Twitter here @DaphneJacksonTr  to view all of the social conversations and engagement.

To find out more details about the Daphne Jackson Day 2020 prize draw to win some fabulous prizes, please visit our website here but be quick, as the draw closes on Monday 23^rd November (before midday).

The next Daphne Jackson Day will be held in autumn 2021, so please do watch this space!