Professor Margaret Snowling, CBE, FBE presents the eighth annual British Academy lecture at the University of Leeds, part of the Ilkley Literature Festival.

Since dyslexia was first described in the British Medical Journal in 1896, there has been debate about the definitions and diagnostic procedures used, with some casting doubt on its very existence. However, the contemporary view of dyslexia has emerged from a century of research in medicine, psychology and more recently neuroscience, and we now know enough about this learning disorder to guide policy and practice. Drawing on the findings in her latest book Margaret Snowling discusses how our understanding of dyslexia has evolved over time.

Maggie Snowling is The President of St John's College, University of Oxford. She specialises in developmental disorders of language, learning and cognition, and is specifically interested in the nature and causes of children’s reading difficulties and how best to ameliorate them. She is a Fellow of the British Academy and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Maggie was appointed CBE for services to science and the understanding of dyslexia in 2016.

The event is hosted by the Leeds Arts and Humanities Research Institute and the Cultural Institute at the University of Leeds, in partnership with the British Academy and Ilkley Literature Festival.

Please note it is not required to bring a printed copy of your registration, digital versions are also accepted as proof of ticket. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the lecture, to allow time for registration and to take your seat.

Event location and directions

The event will take place in the Clothworkers Centenery Hall at the University of Leeds. Google Maps location.

Parking options

Our multi-storey car park has over 650 spaces and is less than 5 minutes from the venue. Visitor parking is available on campus from 5pm onwards, from £2 for 2 hours and then £1 per additional hour. Parking tariffs

Information for disabled visitors

DisabledGo has full accessibility information about Clothworkers Centenery Hall, including Blue Badge parking and accessiblity equipment. However, if you have a query or would like to let the event staff know about a specific requirement so we can assist you on the day, please email culturalinstitute@leeds.ac.uk