Natural Light vs. LED: The Hidden Health Risks of Indoor Lighting

Date: Thursday 27th November 2025 from 5.30 pm

Speakers: Dr Glen Jeffery, Professor of Neuroscience, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London.

Title: 'Natural Light vs. LED: The Hidden Health Risks of Indoor Lighting'

Venue: John Henry Brookes Building, Oxford Brookes University Headington Campus

Refreshments will be available from 5.30pm

Organizers: RIBA Oxfordshire with OxArch Student Architecture Society of Oxford Brookes University School of Architecture

Sponsors: With support from RIBA LIF

Thanks to support from Imperial Bricks sponsor of RIBA Oxfordshire events 2024-2025

Glen Jeffery
Glen Jeffery is Professor of Neuroscience at UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology. His pioneering work investigates the links between light environments, ageing and health. He has contributed to international research on red light therapy, energy metabolism, and circadian rhythms, and speaks widely on how light can be used to improve wellbeing.

An evening with Professor Glen Jeffery (UCL), exploring the profound links between light, vision and health. Learn how daylight, LED lighting and red light influence our biology and how architects can use this knowledge to design healthier, more productive buildings.

Healthy Buildings

Light is not just about vision, it is a biological signal that powers our health. Professor Glen Jeffery will share his latest research into how the shift from natural sunlight to artificial LED environments impacts our mitochondria, the energy-producing centres of our cells. He will explain why red light plays a vital role in supporting energy production, how different wavelengths affect wellbeing, and what designers need to consider when specifying lighting.

For architects, engineers and designers, this talk provides actionable insights on integrating natural light into buildings and mitigating the risks of poor artificial lighting. Expect practical tips that can be applied in both new-build and retrofit projects.

Read more here

Morning exposure to deep red light improves declining eyesight

The Dark Side of LEDs: Health Implications Explored - Ep 42 with Dr. Glen Jeffery

RIBA Oxfordshire in collaboration with OxArch are holding a series of talks on healthy buildings

'Natural Light vs. LED: The Hidden Health Risks of Indoor Lighting'

Thursday 27th November 2025 from 5.30pm,
at the John Henry Brookes Building, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BT

Speaker:– Dr Glen Jeffery, Professor of Neuroscience, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London.

The event will be introduced by Izabela Zoryk‑Tuvey Senior Architect at Holland Green and RIBA Oxfordshire Committee member

Refreshments from 5.30pm

Ox Arch

The Oxford Architecture Society is the beating heart of the student community of the Oxford School of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University. Whether you're an undergraduate or postgraduate student; studying architecture, interior architecture or one of the umpteen masters on offer at our school; staff, graduate, or work in one of the many architectural practices in Oxfordshire; we're the society for you. We have an amazing series of events, socials, lectures, competitions, workshops and sports events lined up for the next year and can't wait to unveil our full programme.