The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Autumn Lecture

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.

Improving health: it's more complicated than you think!

A lecture by Sir Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland

16.30 - 17.00: Registration

17.00 - 18.15: Lecture

18.15 - 19.00: Drinks reception

Sir Harry Burns has been Chief Medical Officer for Scotland since 2005 and is a noted expert in the field of public health.

In this lecture he will examine the reasons behind Scotland having the lowest life expectancy in western Europe and suggest that rather than conventional risk factors such as smoking and obesity, socioeconomic mechanisms seem to be the main drivers of premature mortality in the unhealthiest regions of Scotland.

The lecture will offer a synthesis of evidence from a range of disciplines including psychology, evolutionary biology and molecular genetics to explain the biological consequences of social adversity. It will also offer a view on how we need to alter our approach to health improvement in the light of such evidence.

The event will also see Professor Angus Macdonald of Heriot-Watt University awarded the Finlaison Medal in recognition of his services to the actuarial profession.Given the interface between this subject and the profession`s work on longevity this lecture will be of interest to actuaries and non actuaries from all practice areas.