It’s not every day you see a government medical officer rip their shirt off on stage but that’s exactly what Jonathan Van-Tam has done.
The Professor showed the world his fun side when he gave one of this year’s Royal Institute Christmas Lectures.
Opening the lecture from behind an all too familiar podium displaying government advice to ‘stay alert – control the virus – save lives’ Professor Van-Tam acknowledged the role he has played over the past two years.
But in a twist, which is even beyond a Downing Street briefing, Professor Van-Tam reaches for his collar and in a puff of smoke rips off his shirt and tie to reveal an altogether more casual look.
As the smoke fades, his serious black suit is gone, as is the government podium and Professor Van-Tam introduces the lecture as a scientist and doctor rather than as a government advisor.
Giving the fun introduction he says: ‘Good evening, I’m Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England and many of you will have seen me giving public health announcements from the podium at number 10 Downing Street.
‘But tonight is different.’
Finishing the opening scene with a flourish, Professor Van-Tam turns to face the camera and points down the lens to say ‘tonight, we’re going viral.’
He says: ‘Tonight I’m speaking to you as a scientist and a doctor, not a government advisor, welcome to the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, tonight, we’re going viral.’
Titled ‘The invisible Enemy’ Professor Van-Tam’s lecture explores the world of viruses, how they operate and how our bodies defend themselves against them.
With the assistance of immunologist Professor Katie Ewer and virologist Professor Ravi Gupta, the lecture also explores how new diagnostic methods such as PCR tests have been developed during the pandemic.
The Christmas Lectures are an annual event in the Royal Institute’s calendar and have been running since 1825.
They are the world’s longest-running science television series and promise audiences both at home and in a live theatre explosive demonstrations and interactive experiments.
The 2021 lectures are available to view via the BBC.
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