The Royal Institution Courses

The Hidden World of Animal Consciousness - With David Peña-Guzmán

Explore animal consciousness through dreams, examining scientific research and philosophical theories. Discover implications for animal cognition, ethics, and rights in this thought-provoking presentation.

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

Materialising Artificial Intelligence - With Wilfred G. van der Wiel

Explore brain-inspired nanosystems and their potential for efficient information processing, discussing technological implications and the future of artificial intelligence in material form.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 10 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Joy of Science - With Jim Al-Khalili

Explore the power of scientific thinking with Jim Al-Khalili. Learn how to navigate uncertainty, guard against bias, and embrace evidence-based reasoning for clarity and empowerment in decision-making.

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

The Search for Objective Reality - With Jim Peebles

Explore the nature of science and objective reality through cosmology with Nobel laureate P.J.E. Peebles. Delve into key concepts like dark matter, the expanding universe, and acoustic oscillations in this thought-provoking lecture.

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

Existential Physics - Answering Life's Biggest Questions With Sabine Hossenfelder

Explore life's biggest questions through modern physics with Sabine Hossenfelder. Delve into free will, the nature of the universe, and the limits of human knowledge using insights from quantum mechanics and cosmology.

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

How Can Medical Diagnosis Get Us Wrong? - With Jules Montague

Explore how medical diagnoses can be influenced by bias, cultural factors, and external pressures, potentially leading to stigmatization and harm. Discover real patient stories and the evolving nature of diagnostic practices.

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

How Did Michael Faraday Invent? - With David Ricketts

Explore Faraday's innovative process and its modern applications. Learn about the history of innovation, emerging technologies, and how to apply Faraday's methods to foster creativity and problem-solving in various fields.

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

The Hidden World of Animal Senses – With Ed Yong

Explore the extraordinary sensory worlds of animals, from dogs' powerful noses to bats' echolocation, revealing hidden aspects of nature and challenging our perception of reality.

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

The Origin of Our Universe from the Multiverse - With Laura Mersini-Houghton

Explore the groundbreaking multiverse theory and its implications for our universe's origins with cosmologist Laura Mersini-Houghton, blending cutting-edge physics with her unique personal journey.

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

The Rise and Reign of the Mammals - With Steve Brusatte

Explore 325 million years of mammalian evolution, from surviving dinosaurs to modern diversity. Discover fossil finds, extinction events, and humanity's impact on Earth's mammals.

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

How to Think About Feelings – With Leonard Mlodinow

Explore the science behind emotions, their evolutionary purpose, and their impact on success. Learn about emotional intelligence and techniques for emotional regulation.

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

Where Did the Universe Come From? - With Geraint Lewis

Explore the Universe's origins through the lens of modern physics, examining the clash between general relativity and quantum mechanics, and delving into star formation, elements, and cosmic future.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 13 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

What Darwin Won't Tell You About Evolution - With Jonathan Pettitt

Explores evolutionary complexity beyond natural selection, discussing genetic drift, non-coding DNA, and unique mechanisms in C. elegans, challenging traditional views on how organisms evolve.

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

What Can Science Tell Us About Dogs? - With Jules Howard

Explore the fascinating world of canine cognition, emotions, and behavior through scientific research, historical studies, and modern discoveries in this engaging zoological lecture.

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

Why Does Human Intelligence Beat AI? - With Gerd Gigerenzer

Explore the limitations of AI and the superiority of human intelligence in decision-making, risk assessment, and adapting to uncertain situations with insights from cognitive scientist Gerd Gigerenzer.

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