Events

Join curators across Special Collections, Susan Millard (Curator, Rare Books), Kerrianne Stone (Curator, Prints) and Jen Hill (Curator, Rare Music) as they take part in the conversation revealing the stories behind the objects on display in the exhibition. Kerrianne Stone will be joined by academic Jess Majen from European Renaissance Art studies to discuss in detail works such as the Nuremberg Chronicle and Durer’s Promenade.

Epic and Divine: Dante’s World is a celebration of the life and works of Dante Alighieri. Drawn from the University of Melbourne’s Archives and Special Collections, it showcases rare books, artworks and other materials that explore Dante’s seminal poem The Divine Comedy, its context, themes and ongoing influence. The exhibition features incredible works from our collections by artists and authors such as Sandro Botticelli, William Blake, Gustave Doré, and Salvador Dali – and Australian artists such as Sydney Nolan, Bruno Leti and Angela Cavalieri.

The purpose for founding the first scientifically informed veterinary school in 1761 was clear – to end the devastation caused by the Rinderpest virus, also known as the cattle plague. This disease ravaged cattle herds across Europe leaving a trail of food insecurity, economic and social disaster in its wake. With no school preparing veterinarians with the knowledge and skills needed to control it, the first veterinary school in Lyons, France was born. 

In the 21st century, veterinarians operate in an incomparable number of spheres, including basic scientific research, emerging zoonoses, food safety and security, environmental sustainability, wildlife health and conservation, animal welfare, and companion animal medicine. In the intervening years, veterinarians have adapted to meet new challenges while still functioning within the original ‘social contract’ that has granted privileges and imposed responsibilities on the profession. 

By examining the present challenges that veterinarians are expected to help solve, Professor Colin Wilks will explore whether the profession is still fit for purpose. 

Recognising the contribution of Professor Douglas Blood on Melbourne Veterinary School, the DC Blood Oration invites renowned scholars to present as part of the Faculty’s Dean Lecture Series.