The Royal Institution Courses

Physics Experiments That Changed the World – With Suzie Sheehy

Explore groundbreaking physics experiments that shaped our world, from X-rays to cosmic rays, through engaging stories and demonstrations. Discover the scientists behind these revolutionary discoveries and their lasting impact.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 6 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How the Krebs Cycle Powers Life and Death – With Nick Lane

Explore the Krebs cycle's role in life's chemistry, from cellular respiration to cancer, and its impact on Earth's history. Discover how this metabolic process connects diverse biological phenomena.

• YouTube
• 56 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Why Does Maths Give Humans the Edge Over Machines? - With Junaid Mubeen

Exploring human mathematical intelligence and its advantages over machines, highlighting reasoning, imagination, and questioning as key principles that give humans an edge in problem-solving.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

When Nature Breaks the Law – With Mary Roach and Lucy Cooke

Explore human-wildlife conflicts and creative solutions with Mary Roach and Lucy Cooke. From laser scarecrows to robo-hawks, discover fascinating approaches to coexistence between humans and nature.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 8 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Cell Programming Revolution – With Mark Kotter

Neurosurgeon Mark Kotter explores breakthroughs in cell therapy, discussing genetic reprogramming, its potential to revolutionize medicine, and the collaborative effort needed across scientific disciplines to unlock cellular "operating systems."

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Other End of a Black Hole - With James Beacham

Explore the mysteries of black holes with physicist James Beacham, delving into gravity, space-time, and the possibility of universe-sized black holes. Journey through cutting-edge physics and societal parallels.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

What's Going Wrong With Mental Health Awareness? - With Lucy Foulkes

Explores misconceptions in mental health awareness, offering insights on improving public discourse and understanding of this complex topic.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How We Make Memories and How Memories Make Us – With Veronica O'Keane

Explore the intricate relationship between memory formation and human identity, delving into psychosis, trauma, and healing through neuroscience and empathetic patient analysis.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Astrophysical Neutrinos and How to Find Them - With Jenni Adams

Explore the fascinating world of neutrinos and their detection using the IceCube telescope in Antarctica. Learn how these elusive particles could unlock secrets of high-energy cosmic sources and their role as cosmic messengers.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 4 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Giant Fishing Dinosaurs - Uncovering Spinosaurus and Baryonyx – With David Hone

Explore the latest discoveries about Spinosaurus and Baryonyx, giant fishing dinosaurs. Learn about their anatomy, behavior, and unique adaptations for aquatic lifestyles through fossil evidence and scientific analysis.

• YouTube
• 45 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Thinking Better with Mathematics – With Marcus du Sautoy

Explore how calculus, geometry, and probability can simplify problem-solving in various fields. Learn about neural networks, efficient packing, and innovative shortcuts that have driven human progress throughout history.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

What Does the Future of Space Travel Look Like? - With Chris Impey

Explore the past, present, and future of space travel with astronomer Chris Impey. From early milestones to private sector efforts and potential colonization, discover the exciting possibilities of human space exploration.

• YouTube
• 39 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Search for a Theory of Everything – with Yang-Hui He

Explore the quest for a unified theory of everything, tracing its history from ancient astronomers to modern string theory and the interplay between physics, mathematics, and data.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Batteries Power the Modern World - With Paul Shearing

Explore the evolution of batteries and their impact on modern technology, from early experiments to cutting-edge lithium-ion innovations, highlighting key scientific breakthroughs and future challenges.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Humans Have Genetically Modified Nature – With Beth Shapiro

Explore how humans have shaped nature through genetic modification, from ancient practices to modern techniques, and the potential future implications for conservation and species revival.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video