The Royal Institution Courses

Is Reality a Controlled Hallucination? - Exploring Consciousness and Perception

Explore consciousness as a controlled hallucination through innovative theories and experiments. Delve into perception, self-awareness, and the nature of reality with neuroscientist Anil Seth.

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

Are Viruses Alive? Exploring the Boundaries of Life

Explore the fascinating boundary between life and non-life as Carl Zimmer delves into the nature of viruses, challenging our understanding of what it means to be alive.

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

Science Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Expert panel discusses public trust, media coverage, and scientific communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring challenges in presenting complex information and maintaining credibility amidst evolving research and global vaccine rollout.

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

Water World - Earth's Heating and Plumbing Systems - Christmas Lecture 2020

Explore Earth's heating and plumbing systems with physicist Helen Czerski as she reveals how ocean currents distribute heat and nutrients, shaping our planet's climate and ecosystems.

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

Changing Consciousness with Psychoactive Plants

Explore the complex relationship between humans and psychoactive plants, examining their historical use, cultural significance, and potential benefits in this thought-provoking discussion with Michael Pollan and Jules Evans.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 3 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Engine Earth - Christmas Lectures 2020 - Lecture 1

Geologist Chris Jackson explores Earth's climate history, revealing how ancient rocks and fossils tell a story of radical changes and how volcanoes have controlled atmospheric carbon dioxide levels throughout time.

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

What Does It Take to Make a Universe? - Exploring Matter and the Big Bang

Explore the fundamental building blocks of matter and the origins of our universe through cutting-edge experiments and observations, from particle accelerators to gravitational wave detectors.

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

The Science of Cooperation - Evolution of Social Behavior in Humans and Animals

Explore the evolution of cooperation in humans and animals, its role in our social structures, and its dark side. Gain insights into why we cooperate and how it shapes our behavior and relationships.

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

How Climate Change Causes Biodiversity Loss and What We Can Do About It

Explore the interconnection between climate change and biodiversity loss, and discover strategies to protect ecosystems. Learn from experts about the impacts on flora, fauna, and fungi, and how conservation efforts can mitigate global warming.

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

The Psychology of Climate Change - Inspiring Action Without Despair

Explore psychological approaches to climate change communication, focusing on inspiring action without inducing despair. Learn strategies for effective public engagement from experts in environmental psychology and global health.

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

Identifying and Mitigating Climate Change Risks - Panel Discussion

Explore climate change risks, assessment methods, and mitigation strategies across various sectors. Expert panel discusses global warming, emergency management, and economic impacts.

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

Constructor Theory: A New Explanation of Fundamental Physics

Explore constructor theory, a revolutionary approach to fundamental physics, offering new perspectives on laws of nature and potential applications in quantum computing and AI.

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

How to Build the Universe - From Chemical Elements to Life on Earth

Explore the fundamental building blocks and rules that created the chemical elements essential for life on Earth in this engaging physics lecture by Ben Still.

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

The Science of Weight Loss: Debunking Calorie Myths

Obesity researcher Giles Yeo challenges conventional wisdom on calorie counting, exploring the science behind diets, environmental factors affecting weight, and why popular weight loss methods often fail long-term.

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

Why Trust Science? - Understanding Scientific Credibility and Vetting

Explore the trustworthiness of scientific claims and their rigorous vetting process. Learn about science's strengths and weaknesses for a more realistic view of its role in society and decision-making.

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