Cafe Sci: Photobiology - Effects of UV Radiation on Normal Skin

Graham Harrison

Photobiology Unit , St John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London
& now University of Nottingham

The Photobiology research unit at St John’s Institute of Dermatology, Kings College London is interested in the acute and long-term adverse effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the skin, the most important of which is skin cancer. It has a particular interest in the photoprotective properties of sunscreens and is currently doing a lot of research into one of the beneficial effects of solar UVR, namely vitamin D photosynthesis.

This talk will explain some of the basic principles of photobiology, what solar UVR is, how it is measured and the main clinical effects that it has on the skin, including sunburn, tanning, photoaging, DNA damage, skin cancer and vitamin D production. There will also be brief description of sunscreens, how they work and what an SPF actually means.

MEETING FORMAT: Our speaker talks, uninterrupted for 20 minutes, to introduce his topic. During a break to get drinks, the Hat goes round. Then there is an hour’s chaired question and answer session. Cafe Sci is funded by the Hat (no sponsors). We suggest a contribution £2 (waged or good pension) or £1 (unwaged). Full details here (https://www.meetup.com/nottingham-culture-cafe-sci/pages/about_-Cafe_Scientifique_et_Culturel%28Nottingham%29)