LAE was delighted to welcome Professor David Nutt to the school on Wednesday 17th January to give a brilliant talk to Year 12 students as part of the LAE Lecture Series.

The talk, entitled ‘Science and nonsense in current drugs and alcohol policy’ was in turn thought-provoking, humorous, alarming and enlightening.

Drawing upon his experience as former chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and decades of clinical research, the professor explored how the current legislative approach to dealing with drugs and alcohol is founded more on media hype and political palatability, rather than on scientific evidence.

Drawing from philosophers Voltaire and Mill, professor Nutt ended with a rallying cry to respect and promote scientific discovery, and a reminder that laws should not be based on passing notions of morality, but grounded in evidence to prevent harm.

Students then engaged in a lively Q&A session with the professor, with many wanting to know more about the potential consequences of a change in the laws around drugs and alcohol, and others about how to bring about such a change, in the face of widespread misinformation and hostility.

Professor Nutt wrapped up a great afternoon by answering some questions one on one with LAE students who are aspiring to medical careers.

It’s not everyday that we get to meet one of the most eminent scientists in the country, and LAE is very grateful to Professor Nutt for taking the time to visit and inspire our students.