Professor Simon Jones Inaugural Lecture: Holding it together, or falling to pieces?

 As we age, why do some of us “hold it together”, while others seem to “fall to pieces”? In his inaugural lecture, Professor Simon Jones reflects on a career spent trying to answer that question — both in the lab and in life.

Drawing on his research into how muscles and joints age, and how factors like obesity and inflammation can accelerate this process, Simon explores what science is revealing about how to keep our bodies stronger for longer. Alongside the science, he shares his personal journey — the mentors who shaped him, the lessons he’s learned, and the realities of life as an academic, where rejection is common, resilience is essential, and sometimes the pieces that fall apart help build back something even better.

Join us for what promises to be a fascinating lecture. Open to all. Please note this is an in-person event only.

Directions to the Medical School:

The Leonard Deacon Lecture Theatre is in the University of Birmingham's Medical School (1st and 2^nd floor) on the Edgbaston campus. The Medical School is on the West side of campus, just off Vincent Drive opposite the University Train Station. 

You can find a detailed map of campus on our website.