Past lectures

A perspective on discovery: Gravitational waves

Professor Sheila Rowan discussed her personal perspective on the work leading up to the discovery, some of the technologies involved and their applications, the science being enabled by the study of gravitational waves and what the future for the field might hold. 

Preparing for pandemic vaccine development

Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert discussed her involvement in developing the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Seeing is believing: A century of visualizing molecules

Venki Ramakrishnan highlights recent revolutionary advances using electron microscopy that allows us to visualise even larger and more dynamic biological molecules. 

Dyslexia, rhythm, language and the developing brain

Professor Goswami provides an overview of individual differences in children’s development of language and phonology, providing a context for exploring atypical reading development.

Can we cure ageing?

Professor Dame Linda Partridge DBE, FRS, FRSE, FMedSc, delivers her insight and research into ageing and asks if drugs can help slow down the process and prolong lifespan.

The path to net zero emissions in the UK

Discussing the UK government's commitment to delivering net zero by 2050 and how this could be achieved, by Professor Dame Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge.

A celebration of women in astronomy

Renowned astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell took us on a celebratory journey through the careers of some well-known female astronomers.

Science as revolution

Looking at revolutionary advances by tracing the development of science from its first glimmerings in pre-history through to today, led by Sir Paul Nurse.

Surviving the century: Hopes and threats from new technologies

Professor Lord Martin Rees spoke about the hopes and threats from new technologies and what the consequences these advancements could have for the health of the planet.

The key to quantum technologies: Being in two places at once

Professor Ben Murdin discussed the theory that objects can be in two places at once, performing two different tasks at the same time.

The inequalities of ageing

Professor Sara Arber talked about the stark inequalities older people would face in gaining employment beyond the age of 65, as the government raises the retirement age.