The Royal Institution Courses

Fashion, Faith and Fantasy in Physics - With Roger Penrose

Renowned physicist Roger Penrose explores how fashion, faith, and fantasy influence modern physics, particularly in string theory, quantum mechanics, and cosmology, challenging current scientific paradigms.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 4 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

How to Win Games and Beat People - The Science Behind Winning

Discover the science behind winning games with insights from experts in various fields, from aerodynamics to game theory, offering surprising strategies for success in competitions.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Art and Science of Getting Things Done

Experts from science and industry share insights on effectiveness, exploring strategies for productivity and achievement in various fields.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Quantum Fields - The Real Building Blocks of the Universe

Explore quantum fields as the fundamental building blocks of matter with Professor David Tong. Discover how these fluid-like substances shape our understanding of the Universe and modern physics.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Neuroscience of Consciousness

Explore the fascinating neuroscience of consciousness with Prof. Anil Seth, delving into how our biology shapes our unique experiences and sense of self.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

A Journey to the Centre of the Sun

Explore the Sun's inner workings, from its core to Earth, with Prof. Lucie Green. Learn about solar physics, magnetic fields, and how solar activity impacts modern technology.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Interview with a Spaceman - Mike Massimino's NASA Career

Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino shares insights from his 18-year career, including spacewalks to repair the Hubble telescope and his unique perspective on Earth from space.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 13 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

What We Cannot Know - Exploring the Limits of Human Knowledge

Explore the limits of human knowledge with mathematician Marcus du Sautoy as he investigates whether we can ever know everything or if some fields will always remain beyond our comprehension.

• YouTube
• 52 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Einstein's Greatest Mistake - The Life and Legacy of a Flawed Genius

Explore Einstein's life, genius, and final years, revealing the hubris that led to his isolation from the scientific community despite his revolutionary contributions to physics.

• YouTube
• 52 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Extraordinary Theorems of John Nash

Explore John Nash's revolutionary contributions to game theory and geometric analysis with Fields Medal winner Cédric Villani, delving into the world of mathematical genius and groundbreaking theorems.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Art and Data of High-Performing Teams

Insights from diverse experts on achieving success through interdisciplinary collaboration, data analysis, and small changes that yield significant results in high-performance environments.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Future of Humanity - Revolutions in Technology and Society

Explore how technological and societal revolutions will transform human bodies and minds in the 21st century, challenging our understanding of humanity's future evolution.

• YouTube
• 28 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Cosmology - From Galileo to Gravitational Waves

Unravel the detective story of modern cosmology, from the Big Bang to gravitational waves. Explore revolutionary ideas in fundamental physics and discover how we've answered age-old questions about the Universe's origins and evolution.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

How Science is Taking the Luck out of Gambling

Explore the scientific strategies behind successful gambling, from sports forecasting to AI poker players. Learn how betting has influenced mathematics, economics, and artificial intelligence.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

How to Build a Climate Laboratory

Explore climate modeling with Met Office Chief Scientist Julia Slingo. Learn about processes controlling the climate system and their incorporation into models to understand and navigate future challenges.

• YouTube
• 1 hour
• Self-Paced
• Free Video