The Royal Institution Courses

Bacteria and Antibiotics - Revenge of the Microbes

Explore the fascinating world of bacteria, antibiotics, and the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance with scientist Jenny Rohn in this engaging discourse on microbial evolution and human health.

• YouTube
• 47 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

An Introduction to Quantum Biology

Explore how quantum effects influence biological processes like smell, enzymes, and bird migration. Discover the fascinating intersection of quantum theory and the messy world of biology.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Topology, Geometry and Life in Three Dimensions

Explore hyperbolic geometry's role in mapping complex 3D spaces and its influence on digital art. Learn about mathematical approaches to describing and investigating intricate maze-like structures.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

The Science of Sex

Explore the fascinating world of evolutionary biology and animal reproduction, from sexual conflict to mind-controlling sperm, in this entertaining and informative talk by Sally Le Page.

• YouTube
• 25 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Arrival of the Fittest

Evolutionary biologist Andreas Wagner explores how biological innovations arise, revealing fundamental laws that drive adaptations and creativity in nature beyond mere chance and natural selection.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Dark Matter's Not Enough

Explore the cosmos beyond dark matter and energy with Andrew Pontzen, delving into the predictability of our rule-governed universe and the potential for even stranger phenomena.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Mysteries of Matter at the LHC

Explore the Higgs Boson discovery, LHC's future plans, and unsolved mysteries in particle physics. Learn about dark matter, gravity's weakness, and ATLAS experiment's role in advancing our understanding of the universe.

• YouTube
• 57 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

From Cowardice to Shellshock - Medicine, Psychiatry and the Great War

Explore the medical revolution of World War I, focusing on stretcher bearers and the evolution of 'war neurosis' diagnosis and treatment. Gain insights into the lesser-known impacts of the war on medicine and psychiatry.

• YouTube
• 44 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Our Mathematical Universe

MIT physicist Max Tegmark explores the radical idea that our universe is fundamentally mathematical, proposing that reality itself is a mathematical structure and examining the implications for our understanding of the cosmos.

• YouTube
• 45 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Return to the Home of the Blizzard

Explore the Australasian Antarctic Expedition's century-old observations and modern findings, comparing historical data with current climate changes in the Antarctic region.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 26 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

It's Rocket Science!

Explosive journey through rocket science principles, from basic concepts to moon missions. Packed with live demonstrations, combustions, and a roaring hybrid rocket engine for an engaging family experience.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Smashing Physics

CERN physicist Jon Butterworth provides an insider's account of the Higgs boson discovery, followed by a Q&A with Brian Cox, exploring its significance and impact on our understanding of fundamental physics.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 27 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Black Hole Firewalls

Explore the intriguing black hole firewall paradox and its implications for physics with experts Sean Carroll and Jennifer Ouellette in this thought-provoking discussion on exotic theories and scientific progress.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 28 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

The Science of Laughter

Explore the fascinating science behind laughter with Sophie Scott. Discover its social importance, animal origins, acoustic properties, and neurological processing in this engaging presentation.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 17 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk

Copy Number Variation and the Secret of Life

Explore how gene duplication and deletion drive evolution, impacting color vision, smell, and blood composition, while also influencing diseases like cancer and autism.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• On-Demand
• Conference Talk