Pictured: Dame Vera Lynn

Matthew Bannister on:

Professor Geoffrey Burnstock, the eminent neurobiologist who identified the function of a neurotransmitter called ATP with important implications for the treatment of many conditions including strokes, cancer and cystic fibrosis.

Larry Kramer, the outspoken gay rights campaigner who organised direct action to force the US government to confront the AIDS crisis.

Pierre Nkurunziza, the President of Burundi who used violence to hold on to power after his constitutional term ended.

Dame Vera Lynn, the singer known as “the forces’ sweetheart” for her songs of hope during the second world war.

Interviewed guest: Professor Mike Spyer
Interviewed guest: Professor Timothy Arnett
Interviewed guest: Peter Tatchell
Interviewed guest: Vava Tampa

Producer: Neil George

Archive clips from: Interview with Geoffrey Burnstock, Queen Mary, University of London 10/03/2008; Meridian, Radio 4 20/06/1995; Arena, BBC Two 05/02/1993; The Late Show, BBC Two 10/10/1989; Pierre Nkurunziza Interview, Woodrow Wilson Center 16/04/2013; Burundi’s Football President, Journeyman Pictures 17/11/2015; Nkurunziza Wins Disputed Election, Al Jazeera 25/07/2015; Burundi Coup Attempt, BBC News 13/05/2015; Desert Island Discs: Dame Vera Lynn, Radio 4 03/09/1989; The Emma Freud Show, Radio 1 01/01/2000.