Lecture opportunities

This event brings together two recent books that examine how historical events continue to shape politics, diplomacy, and public memory. The discussion focuses on reparations after the Holocaust, the US-Israel relationship, and the wider questions of responsibility, legitimacy, and alliance that remain relevant in contemporary debates. It is designed for people interested in history, politics, Holocaust memory, diplomacy, Jewish studies, and the modern Middle East. Gideon Reuveni and David Tal will present and discuss their work, with the conversation chaired by journalist and author Edmund Fawcett. Together, the speakers explore how past negotiations and political choices continue to influence present-day conflicts and moral dilemmas. The event offers an academic and reflective forum for audiences who want to better understand the historical background to current international tensions.

This lecture brings together students interested in chemistry to explore the science of colloids and, in particular, polymer colloids. Professor Stefan A. F. Bon will explain what these materials are, how they are made, and why they matter in real-world applications. The talk looks at polymer latexes - tiny polymer particles dispersed in water - and introduces the emulsion polymerisation process used to make them. It also covers how these particles behave in water, how they move, and how scientists prevent them from clumping together. The lecture then connects this chemistry to practical uses such as coatings, glove making, paper manufacturing, and adhesives. The event is designed to be accessible to chemistry students from GCSE through A level and university, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary chemistry, chemical engineering, and sustainability challenges. It offers a chance to hear from a researcher working at the cutting edge of polymer and colloid science.

Kevin Murphy will share real-world insights into the evolving financial services landscape, drawing on experience across FinTech, consumer finance, cards, payments, and foreign exchange. The talk is designed to give attendees a practical understanding of how senior leaders think about growth, turnaround, restructuring, regulation, and long-term business performance. The event focuses on the leadership and commercial capabilities that matter in high-pressure financial environments. Kevin will discuss strategic turnarounds, root-cause problem solving, deal structuring, valuations, due diligence, post-acquisition integration, stakeholder management, and building robust risk and compliance frameworks. Attendees can expect an accessible and career-relevant session that also explores what leading private equity firms and major institutions look for in candidates and businesses. It is aimed at people interested in finance, leadership, and career development, and offers a chance to hear directly from an experienced CEO, board adviser, and private equity partner.

This online conference explores the relationship between French-style gardens and English-style gardens, looking at how each tradition has influenced the other over time. Hosted by Alliance Française d'Oxford, the event offers an accessible cultural talk for anyone interested in language, art, heritage, and European garden history. The session takes place live on Zoom, making it easy to attend from anywhere. It is a short evening event with a clear start and finish time, and participants are asked to RSVP through the event page. The conference is suitable for people who enjoy French culture and broader discussions about the exchange of ideas between France and the UK.

Join UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (UCL IIPP) for the book launch of *The Rulers* by Cecilia Rikap. This hybrid event brings together researchers and commentators to discuss the book’s central argument: that Big Tech companies are not just large corporations, but powerful political and economic actors shaping digital infrastructure and the wider economy. The talk explores themes including cloud dominance, artificial intelligence, corporate venture capital, acquisitions, patents, and the growing importance of digital sovereignty. The book argues for strategies that put technology at the service of people and the planet, and the panel brings together voices from academia, policy and journalism to reflect on those ideas. The event is organised by UCL IIPP and is open to all. The panel includes Cecilia Rikap, Mariana Mazzucato, Nick Srnicek and Aditya Chakrabortty, with Francisca Moya Marchi chairing the discussion.

Join Professor Heather M. Ferguson for a one-hour talk exploring the surprising diversity of mosquitoes in Scotland and what new research is revealing about their ecology, distribution and potential to transmit disease. The session draws on work from the Mosquito Scotland project and looks at how environmental change may affect the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in the country. The event also highlights a nationwide citizen-science reporting scheme that has helped researchers understand where mosquitoes are being seen across Scotland. Attendees will hear about the history of malaria transmission in Scotland, the mosquito species found here today, and the latest evidence on the potential risks posed by diseases such as West Nile virus and Usutu virus. This is a hybrid talk with an audience Q&A, so people can attend in person or watch online. It is designed for curious audiences and does not require any prior specialist knowledge, making it a good fit for anyone interested in wildlife, public health and the effects of climate change on disease patterns.

This Royal Geographical Society schools lecture explores global governance and how international institutions, rules, and cooperation shape responses to major shared challenges. The talk introduces the idea of global governance through examples such as the UN and WTO, and looks at how decisions made beyond national borders can affect trade, climate change, pandemics, and the movement of people, money, ideas, and resources. The lecture is designed for A Level geography students and is especially relevant to those studying AQA Section 3.2.1 and the Edexcel Dynamic Places unit. It links directly to the A Level specification while also broadening students’ understanding of how governance works across local, national, and global scales. Professor Emma Mawdsley, Head of Geography at the University of Cambridge, presents the session and brings her research expertise in environmental and regional politics, development cooperation, and foreign aid. The lecture is intended for school groups and offers a subject-focused opportunity to deepen understanding of contemporary geographical issues.

This St Albans Cathedral lecture explores existentialism through the ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre. It asks what Sartre meant by existentialism and why the philosophy continues to prompt discussion today. The event is designed as a reflective talk for anyone interested in philosophical ideas and their modern relevance. It focuses on the continued significance of existentialist thought, using Sartre as the main reference point for considering how these ideas still speak to contemporary audiences.

The Norfolk Cambridge Society presents a public lecture in the form of an in-depth conversation: Ed Balls (broadcaster, economist and former senior politician) will be interviewed by Philip Webster (former political editor of The Times). The event will explore political developments, public life and contemporary issues, with opportunities for audience questions and post-lecture mingling.

The event takes place at Norwich Cathedral on 17 September, 7:15pm–8:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance via Ticket Tailor. The ticket price includes a glass of wine or a soft drink served after the lecture, when attendees may meet the speaker and other guests. Proceeds (after expenses) are donated to charitable causes supported by the Society.

The lecture is open to adults and sixth formers. Children who are not sixth formers cannot attend. Sixth formers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (parent, teacher or person acting in loco parentis); contact the organiser if you require assistance with in loco parentis arrangements.

This is a curriculum-linked video lecture from MASSOLIT presented by Dr Regine May (University of Leeds) as part of a short course on Petronius' Satyrica. The lecture introduces Petronius and his possible identification with Petronius Arbiter, discusses Tacitus' portrayal of Petronius, and outlines the circumstances of his death following the Pisonian conspiracy. The lecture situates the Satyrica as a unique, fragmentary Latin novel characterised by parody and satire and explores Petronius' playful engagement with high literature, especially Virgil’s Aeneid. Dr May contrasts the epic hero Aeneas with the comic anti-hero Encolpius and explains how these literary interactions shape the novel's tone and meaning. This video is produced for GCSE, A-Level and IB audiences and forms one of a sequence of lectures in the Petronius: Satyrica course, which examines characters (Encolpius, Trimalchio, Habinnas), themes (food and death), and individual episodes such as the Widow of Ephesus and the rivalry over Giton.

This is the first lecture in a five-part MASSOLIT course on Tacitus' Agricola, delivered by Dr Andy Fear (University of Manchester). The video provides a broad introduction to the Agricola, situating the work as both historical narrative and biography and explaining its aims and structure. The lecture is part of MASSOLIT's series of high-quality, curriculum-linked video lectures produced for GCSE, A Level and IB students. The lecture examines the Agricola's purpose of preserving Agricola's reputation, its combination of biography, history, ethnography and military narrative, and Agricola's portrayal as an exemplary governor, soldier and public servant. It also discusses the political background of Domitian's tyranny and Tacitus' argument about virtue and dignified conduct under oppression. The session is intended for secondary-school students studying classical texts or British/ancient history and for teachers seeking curriculum-linked materials.

Education in Action's "History in Action: Russia and Revolution" is a study day aimed at A-level and IB students, and enthusiastic Year 11 students preparing for Edexcel, AQA and OCR specifications. The programme concentrates on 20th-century Russian history, covering 1894-1964 from the end of Romanov rule and the Revolutions through Lenin’s government to the Stalin and Khrushchev eras. World-class historians will deliver stimulating talks (including Sir Antony Beevor and Professor Daniel Beer) and there will be a lunchtime examination session offering first-hand guidance and exam technique. Useful handouts with key information, suggested further reading and examination advice will be provided, and there will be opportunities for questions throughout the day. The event is delivered in person and is designed to inform, inspire and support students' exam preparation and deeper understanding of modern Russian history.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is hosting a public lecture titled "The new China playbook: beyond socialism and capitalism" by Keyu Jin. The event is free to attend but registration is required. It takes place at LSE in London and is presented as a public-facing lecture aimed at a general audience. The lecture will explore contemporary themes in China's political and economic development as signalled by the title. Attendees should register in advance via the LSE events page to secure a place.

A free one-day masterclass at the University of Sussex designed for A-level students who are interested in studying Politics at university. The event offers a genuine campus experience and aims to deepen critical understanding of core A-Level Politics topics while helping students strengthen their UCAS applications through meaningful extracurricular engagement. The day features three specialist lectures: "The Politics of Crisis in Europe" (Dr Neil Dooley), "Democracy After Dictatorships" (Prof Aleks Szczerbiak), and "Ideological and Affective Polarisation" (Dr Stavroula Chrona). Attendees will hear fresh insights from academics working at the forefront of political research and gain exposure to university-level teaching and discussion. This in-person masterclass is an opportunity to engage with subject experts, experience university life at one of the UK’s recognised Politics departments, and build evidence of subject interest for university applications. Spaces are free but require registration via the Eventbrite listing.

This in-person study day at the Royal Geographical Society in London is designed for A Level students who want to strengthen their geography knowledge and exam confidence. The morning session brings together a series of expert-led talks that focus on key KS5 curriculum areas, making it a useful revision and enrichment opportunity for students preparing for A Level assessment.

The programme includes three subject knowledge-focused lectures on changing places, global governance, and carbon and water cycles, followed by a dedicated session on exam technique and how to succeed in A Level examinations. Schools can book either the morning or afternoon version of the event, as both are identical. The event is suitable for students attending with or without parents, guardians, or teachers, and teacher places are free when accompanying students.

This video lecture, presented by Dr Simon Usherwood (University of Surrey) as part of the MASSOLIT course "The UK and the European Union", examines the creation of the institutional foundations of the European Union after the Second World War. It focuses on the political, economic and international factors that opened a window for European integration, including post-war reconstruction, the desire for enduring peace, and the Cold War context.

The module situates the EU's formation within three converging impulses and introduces analytical frameworks useful for understanding the EU's structure, such as intergovernmentalism and supranationalism. The wider course also considers the impact of EU membership on UK political life and the complexities behind Brexit, using historical and institutional perspectives to explain contemporary developments.

This lecture is curriculum-linked and intended for GCSE, A Level and IB students (and their teachers). The content is presented as a high-quality, curriculum-aligned video resource hosted by MASSOLIT; full access requires an account on the MASSOLIT site.

This entry is a curriculum-linked video lecture from MASSOLIT titled "Hobbes's Life and Times," delivered by Prof. Jeffrey Collins (Queen's University, Canada). It forms the first module of the course "Political Ideas - Thomas Hobbes" and introduces Hobbes's biography, education at Oxford, and the intellectual contexts that shaped his thought. The lecture situates Hobbes within Humanism and the "New Science," outlines his mechanistic view of human beings as "matter in motion," and explains how these ideas feed into his major work, Leviathan.

The broader course moves from historical context (the English Civil War) to close readings of Leviathan, Hobbes's account of the social contract, the nature and powers of the sovereign, and themes of liberty and disorder, concluding with Hobbes's influence on later political thought. The resource is aimed at secondary students (GCSE, A Level) and IB learners and is accessible via the MASSOLIT platform; to view the full course you must sign up or log in to MASSOLIT.

This is a curriculum-linked video lecture titled "The US in 1783", delivered by Prof. Frank Cogliano of Edinburgh University and produced by MASSOLIT. It is part of the course "US Constitution - Background and Constitutional Convention, 1783-87", which offers an in-depth exploration of the historical background to the US Constitution, focusing on the period from 1783 through the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

The lecture examines the United States at the end of the War of Independence, addressing internal and external problems facing the new post-colonial state, the Declaration of Independence as a guiding document, tensions over popular versus elite political authority, and the challenges of governing a vast territory. The full course comprises five lectures that together cover the Declaration, the Articles of Confederation, the weaknesses that prompted constitutional reform, the key compromises of the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, and the Constitution itself. The materials are aimed at GCSE, A Level and IB students and are designed to be high-quality, curriculum-linked resources for classroom or independent study.

This is a curriculum-linked video lecture from the MASSOLIT course "Rules of Human Rights Law", presented by Professor Conor Gearty of the London School of Economics. The module and course examine the development and legal structure of human rights law, placing the emergence of rights in the post-war context and explaining how the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights operate.

The course covers major theories and philosophical traditions behind human-rights values, contrasts rights with the English legal tradition of liberties, and discusses developments in UK law culminating in the Human Rights Act 1998. Later modules examine common laws relationship with human rights and the evolving nature of judicial power and democracy in this area.

The lectures are produced by MASSOLIT for secondary-level curricula and are explicitly linked to GCSE, A Level and IB study. The resource is delivered as on-demand video content suitable for students and teachers wishing to supplement classroom study of human-rights and constitutional topics.

This is a curriculum-linked video lecture from MASSOLIT titled "Tort Theory" presented by Prof. Sandy Steel (University of Oxford) as part of the "Theory of Tort Law" course. The course examines central themes in tort law across six modules: leading theories of tort liability, the Caparo test for duty of care in negligence, duty of care in relation to pure economic loss, breach of duty, vicarious liability, and remedies including injunctions.

The specific module "Tort Theory" focuses on liability in tort, general principles for paying compensation, and competing theoretical accounts such as the efficiency account and the wrongdoing account. It also explores the nature of ‘‘wrong’’ within tort law and contrasts fault-based liability with strict liability approaches. The content is described as high-quality and curriculum-linked for GCSE, A Level and IB students.

The resource is offered as an educational video lecture intended for secondary school learners preparing for GCSE, A Level or the IB Diploma, and is produced and hosted by MASSOLIT.