Beaufort Society
Spring Meeting 2025

The President of the Beaufort Society, the Lord Browne of Madingley, is pleased to invite members to this year’s Spring Meeting on Thursday 20 March at The Francis Crick Institute in London.

Join us for an engaging evening in a world-renowned scientific setting where we’ll hear a talk from Fellow of St John’s College Dr Jeanne Salje, followed by a unique opportunity to network and enjoy drinks and canapés in the Manby Gallery while viewing the current exhibition ‘Hello Brain!‘. This exhibition offers a fascinating exploration of the human brain, its functions, and its incredible complexity.

Programme

6pm: Drinks on arrival.

6.30pm: Lecture in the Auditorium with Dr Jeanne Salje, Fellow of St John’s College:

Russian Dolls of Biology: The Strange World of Intracellular Microbes

Bacteria, the tiny single-celled microbes behind diseases like food poisoning and tuberculosis, are far more diverse than all the animals on Earth combined. They have evolved to thrive in nearly every imaginable environment, from deep-sea vents to the human body.

One of the most remarkable adaptations of certain bacteria is their ability to live directly in the interior of animal cells. While some of these microscopic invaders cause disease, others form beneficial partnerships, helping their hosts by providing essential nutrients.

Dr. Salje’s research focuses on these intimate interactions between bacteria and the cells they invade. By studying how bacteria infiltrate and adapt to life within their hosts, her work reveals not only the mechanisms behind disease but also the challenges and evolutionary consequences of adopting an intracellular lifestyle. Understanding these dynamics could unlock new ways to combat infections and harness beneficial microbes for human health.

7.00pm: Drinks and canapes with the opportunity to enjoy the Hello Brain! exhibition.

8:30pm: Event closes.

Please use the booking form below. If you have any questions, contact Emma Talibudeen via email at beaufortsociety@joh.cam.ac.uk, or phone on 01223 338605.