Talks & lectures

Get together with the society to discuss a variety of space-related topics.

A panel event as part of University of Edinburgh's 'Women in Warfare' conference, featuring novelist Sue Reid Sexton, lecturer and critic Faith Pullin and historian Yvonne McEwen and chaired by historian Jenni Calder.

Ever thought about keeping bees? Come along and meet members of the Borders Beekeepers Association and discover why so many people are taking up this ancient and rewarding activity.

Hands-on advice from the experts about using binoculars and telescopes to watch wildlife. Also a chance to buy some (binoculars and/or telescopes, that is, not wildlife). All proceeds go back into the RSPB to continue conservation efforts.

Four established freelancers talk about the tricks of the trade and explain how to find clients, how to create a great online presence and how to manage your taxes effectively.

Leonardo is celebrated as both an inspired artist and anatomist. This special event considers how contemporary artists, performers and scientists are informed by each other’s work in their exploration of the human body. Part of the Clod Ensemble’s Performing Medicine programme in collaboration with Wellcome Trust.

Ângela Ferreira discusses her exhibition Political Cameras with curator Filipa Oliveria.

Presenter of the Today Programme for almost 20 years, James Naughtie talks about his career in political journalism and touches on his passion for music, giving an insight into his interesting life.

Audrey Niffenegger, bestselling author of 'The Time Traveller's Wife' and 'Her Fearful Symmetry', comes to Southbank Centre to discuss her life as a writer and an artist. She also introduces her latest work, 'The Raven Girl'. This dark and gripping illustrated fairy tale is now being brought to life in a ballet written…

A showcase of short films by local film directors followed by discussion.

Barbara Kingsolver's works of fiction, poetry and non-fiction include the international bestseller 'The Poisonwood Bible' and 'The Lacuna', winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction. At this event she discusses her latest novel, 'Flight Behaviour', a captivating and topical story of class, poverty and climate change.

A detailed talk with the Historic Scotland Rangers Service followed by an easy walk around the palace and loch to look and listen for bats.

Learn the story of William Wallace and his compatriots as costumed actors bring the Battle of Stirling Bridge to life.

Got an idea to compete with Ikea? Create your own flat-packed product to take home in this two-day workshop with artist/designer Fraser Ross. Ages 15+.

A multidisciplinary afternoon of discussion and debate by artists, clinicians, medical researchers and carers, investigating personalised medicine, genetics, asthma, and issues of child health. A private view of the Be Receptive exhibition of artwork, follows this event. This exhibition is held at the Royal Alexandra…

Derval Tubridy, Goldsmiths, University of London, explores the vibrant interplay between Samuel Beckett’s work and contemporary art with a particular focus on bodies and technology. Chaired by Octavian Saiu.

Producer of the Beckett on Film project, Michael Colgan discusses the challenges in creating this extraordinary film collection.

Ever thought about keeping bees? Come along and meet members of the Borders Beekeepers Association and discover why so many people are taking up this ancient and rewarding activity.

A neuroscientist and a designer describe the many ways that bees inspire them in their work and everyday lives. Richard Clarke is director of Beautiful Mind at Lottolab, a hybrid Neuroscience/design studio. Clarke has developed a model system for visual processing. He has published work on how brains create meaning…

The phenomenon of urban beekeeping is hooking city dwellers from London to New York and Melbourne. Alison Benjamin and Brian McCallum's book Bees in the City - The Urban Beekepeers' Handbook introduces us to this new breed of apiarists, the places they keep bees and their motivations for having hives. Get handy tips…

Pecha kucha session featuring women working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine across Glasgow.

Big Ideas presents big questions, then lets an expert have a stab at answering it before turning it to the audience for discussion. Brief, informal and relaxed, the pub-based event is open to anyone and everyone.