Podcasts

Professor Steve Gough Inaugural Lecture: Is Education Unnatural?

In this lecture Professor Steve Gough spoke to explore inconsistencies in the way we think of education, and to examine the role of human learning as our interactions with nature - particularly through economic activity - create and re-create our environment.

Brand Aid? Development finance and African agriculture (Inaugural Lecture Series)

In a global system that seems to be remorselessly concentrating capital into fewer hands, this lecture will examine efforts to move money the other way in order to promote food security, with particular reference to Ethiopia.In this lecture, Professor James Copestake will highlight the growing business-orientation of aid and explore scope for being more transparent about its impact.

A Brief History of Infinity

Where did the idea of infinity come from? Who were the people who defined and refined this paradoxical quantity? Why is infinity, a concept we can never experience or truly grasp, at the heart of science? How can some infinities be bigger than others? An exploration of one of the most mind-boggling features of maths and physics, this talk uncovers the amazing paradoxes of infinity and introduces the people who devised and refined the concept.

Presidents & American Foreign Policy

Are trends in global politics simply the result of large impersonal structural forces, or does human agency matter? For example, would America have become the dominant country in the 20th century regardless of who was president? To what extent did leaders matter, and if so, what kind of leader? Leadership theorists focus their attention on what they call transformational leaders, but were "transformational" leaders like Woodrow Wilson and Ronald Reagan really more important than "transactional" leaders like Eisenhower and the first Bush? What are the lessons we can draw for leadership and foreign policy in this century?"

No Job For A Woman: Insights into the Manufacture of Explosives and Shell Filling in the First World War

In response to the shortage of munitions hampering military operations in France, in 1915 the British Government embarked on a programme of factory building unparalleled in history. This talk explores the construction of the major explosives and shell filling factories, the conditions within and the part played by "Tommy's Sisters" in their operation.

How To Build An Olympic Stadium

In this lecture, Dr Paul Shepherd from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering will share the secrets behind the building of the Olympic Park and explore the ways in which mathematics was used in the construction and operation of the Olympic Games.

Archaeology, Common Rights and the Origins of Britishness

In this lecture, Dr Susan Oosthuizen, historic landscape specialist from the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education, will explore the archaeological evidence for the management of prehistoric pasture.

The science of breakfast in weight management and health

In this lecture, Dr James Betts from the Department of Health will examine the importance of eating breakfast for overall good health, and whether missing breakfast could increase a person's risk of becoming overweight or suffering from heart disease or diabetes.

Say it with poison

In this lecture, Mr Russell Bowes, a freelance garden historian, will be sharing mysterious tales of how people have died in the garden, and how you can protect yourself against herbaceous murderers.

How technology can help older people

44th Annual Lecture of Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (BIME) Professor Gail Mountain, Professor of Health Services Research (Assisted Living Research) at University of Sheffield; Director of EPSRC-funded SMART Consortium & Principle Director of KT-EQUAL Consortium will describe how technology can be used to meet the needs of an ageing population.

Sustainable future for wildlife and people

In this lecture, Mr Simon Garrett, Head of Learning at Bristol Zoo, asks the controversial question of how much wildlife we actually need, or even like in this thought provoking insight into the future

Contemporary Art in Sacred Spaces

In this lecture, art history and cultural theory lecturer Dr Jonathan Koestle-Cate will examine how modern art continues to play a significant role in the life of the church.

Through the eyes of a child

In this inaugural lecture, Professor Tess Ridge from the Department of Social and Policy Sciences, will be discussing the hidden costs of the Government's poverty and austerity policies for Britain's poorest children.

Are buildings evil?

In this inaugural lecture, Professor David Coley from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering will address why so few buildings in the UK are built using the low-energy technologies that are now available.

Founders Day Lecture

Lord Tugendhat, the Chancellor of the University of Bath, talks about trust and transparency in public life and business

The rise and fall of the gene

Professor Mark Lindsay talks about the rise and fall of the gene and respiratory diseases.

Understanding and treating anxiety: Making sense of the transition between a necessary emotion and an unnecessary disorder

Professor Paul Salkovskis talks about understanding and treating anxiety

Chris Bowen Inaugural

Professor Chris Bowen, researcher in materials science from the University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, gives an overview of the properties and applications of active materials, composites and structures.

Protecting architectural world heritage from earthquakes

Dr Dina D'Ayala discusses the fundamental concepts of earthquake engineering and recent research developments in the field of earthquake protection.

Money, power and competition

Entrepreneur and journalist Margaret Heffernan takes a fresh look at money and power.

The Forgotten Queen of Bath: Remembering Author/Mayoress Madame Sarah Grand

Maura Dunst of the University of Hull looks at the forgotten 'Queen of Bath' Madam Sarah Grand

GULP Maths and the making of the modern world

Professor Chris Budd describes the maths behind Google and the Ipod and shows how maths has led to the modern information revolution.

Hounds for Heroes

June Ward talks about the charity Hounds for Heroes.

Sport - Past, Present & Future

University's Director of Sport Stephen Baddeley introduces a series of speakers celebrating the University's journey to become one of the UK's leading centres for high-performance sport and a key player in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Founders' Day Lecture

Lord Rees of Ludlow talks about the history of the universe.

Urban Peregrines Baths very own speed hunters

Learning officer for the Bristol Dinosaur Project Ed Drewitt reveals another side to Peregrines, not only as majestic, aerial hunters but as opportunistic falcons living often nomadic lives.

Public Libraries Past present and future

University of Bath librarian Howard Nicholson provides an outline of the history of public libraries.

Research in the World

The President of the Child Poverty Action Group, Baroness Ruth Lister, gives an insight into poverty research in the UK.

Showcase Lecture

Professor Jane Millar introduces a showcase public lecture exploring three outstanding projects that highlight the research progress achieved through academia and industry collaboration.

The science of sports performance and injury prevention

Dr James Bilzon discusses sports science research

Greco-mania: an exploration of this cultural craze

Photographer and writer Roger Vlitos talks about Greco-mania

The Painted Garden

A freelance garden historian, Russell Bowes, will use the clues displayed or hidden in paintings to look at the major developments of gardening styles from ancient times to the present day.

On the secrets of human motivation - Richard Ryan

World-renowned pscyhologist, Professor Richard Ryan talks about why video games are so addictive and why people can't wait for the weekend.

Herschel Lecture: Active-Galaxy Jets:An exhausting business - Diana Worrall

Professor Diana Worrall addresses our understanding of the Universe, and the largely uncharted structures that we find when we explore space.

Why do we need social science? - Roadshow

The Campaign for Social Science SW Regional Roadshow aims to raise the profile of social science in the public, media and Parliament, in context of changes to the funding of teaching and research.

Two great war poets: Gurney and Owen - Jon Stallworthy & Jane Potter

Jon Stallworthy, Emeritus Professor of English Literature at Oxford University and Dr Jane Potter of Oxford Brookes University, discuss the lives of Ivor Gurbey and Wilfred Owen.

Research in the World: Energy storage: The Missing link - Peter Bruce

Professor Peter Bruce of the the University of St Andrews talks about the need for a step change in the performance of energy storage devices for the future in order to help us achieve a low-carbon world.

Journeys in Indigo - Jenny Balfour-Paul

Dr Jenny Balfour-Paul, honorary research fellow at the University of Exeter and fellow at the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club, tells a compelling story of indigo, the world's oldest, most magical and best-loved dye.

Landscape painter Alan Cotton talks at Bath - Alan Cotton

Alan Cotton, Honorary Professor of Art at the University of Bath, gives his inaugural lecture where he presents stories about people and places from his travels.

GULP: Moon gods, demons and the sacred disease: A history of epilepsy and how we treat it - Roland Jon

Dr Roland Jones, a neuropharmacologist from the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the University of Bath, will explores the history of epilepsy

An engineering adventure - Dan Johns

Dan Johns, engineer for Bloodhound SSC, the latest attempt at the land speed World record, talks about his involvement with the project.

Towering ambition - Amy Johns

Dr Amy Frost of the Bath Preservation Trust provides a deatailed biography of William Beckford

A nice cup of tea - Russell Bowes

Garden historian Russell Bowes talks about the horticultural history of the tea bag, from its origins in the foothills of the Himalayas right through to the modern tea bag.

BIME annual lecture: Changing attitudes to disability - Baroness Masham of Ilton

BIME President Baroness Masham of Ilton, who is also the Founder and President of the Spinal Injuries Association, and Dr Elizabeth White, Head of Research & Development at the College of Occupational Therapists deliver the BIME lecture.

Drinking, music, having fun and stuff: The importance of identity and belonging in young people?s lives - Christine Griffin

The lecture focused on Professor Griffin's research about young people's everyday lives and what is important to them. She argued that young people are usually most concerned with fitting in, with where they belong in psychological and social terms - and with having fun. However, young people in affluent western societies are the target of substantial marketing campaigns that take full advantage of this in their advertising, branding and marketing of a range of products.

The Crossroads of Global Capitalism - Peter Nolan

The first of new series of public lectures entitled 'ways of thinking' that aim to challenge and stimulate new ideas and debate across the University.

Crystals, particles & powders - Rob Price

Professor Rob Price delivers his inaugural lecture on his research in the field of aerosol science.

Graphene: Sketching out a new world

An ongoing series of public lectures on everything from astrophysics to global poverty

Gerald Walters Lecture - Simon Thurley

Leading architectural historian Dr Simon Thurley looks at the growing role of the state in the cultural life of the nation in the 40th Anniversary Gerald Walter's Memorial Lecture

Rutherford's Legacy - Glenn Patrick

Dr Glenn Patrick of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford looks at how particle physics has developed following Rutherford's discovery and what developments we might expect.

Great Ideas of Biology - Sir Paul Nurse

In this Founders' Day lecture Sir Paul Nurse, president of the Royal Society, discusses the great ideas of biology.

Losing the plot in the era of image: When a picture tells more than a thousand words - Yiannis Gabri

In his Inaugural lecture Professor Yiannis Gabriel from the School of Management critiques our desire to look for a story in every image.

Creative tensions between science & technology - Sir Richard Friend

Recent debate on the role and affordability of scientific research has too often been presented as a choice between 'blue skies science' and 'useful' engineering. This public lecture at the University of Bath by Professor Sir Richard Friend on 5 April 2011 argues that this is a highly mistaken outlook.

The Paralympic Legacy - Simone Lewis, Polly Mcguigan and James Bilzon

Simone Lewis Dr Polly Mcguigan and Dr James Bilzon examine how the University of Bath aims to become a research centre of excellence in disability and Paralympic sport ahead of and beyond London 2012

The Tale of the Tulip - Russell Bowes

Freelance garden historian Russell Bowes brings the story of the tulip to life with power, passion and petals!

The Science of Drug Politics - David Nutt

Prof David Nutt talks about the regulation of drugs including alcohol and tobacco.

The pre-history of Bathampton Down - Bath's Sacred Landscape - Rod Thomas

Dr Rod Thomas talks about a newly-discovered Iron-Age settlement and other findings in Bathampton Down.

Mysterious cases of misbehaving molecules - Chick Wilson

Dr Joanna Bryson, an expert in machines that have their own artificial intelligence, explores the issues.

Kew in the digital age - Angela McFarlane

Professor Angela McFarlane explores how The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is using digital media to engage new, global audiences in its science and conservation work.

Our place in the Universe: William Herschel Society Public Lecture - John Barrow

Professor John Barrow, Professor of Mathematical Sciences at Cambridge University, sheds light upon the expanding universe and asks what the significance is of its age, shape and size at the annual Herschel lecture.

Monetary policy and the financial crisis - Chris Martin

Professor Chris Martin investigates the country's current financial crisis looking at the underlying cause, the symptoms and long-term effects.

The arm - engineers armed for medical rehabilitation - Garth Johnson

Professor Garth Johnson will describe how biomechanical engineering is improving joint replacement treatment for older people, in this annual lecture organised by the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering.

UN Ideas That Changed The World - Richard Jolly Marant

Honorary Professor and Research Associate of the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and co-ordinator of the UN Intellectual History Project draws on the 17-volume official history of the UN

Jumping about in applied probability - Andreas Kyprianou

Professor Andreas Kyprianou from the Department of Mathematical Sciences gives a gentle introduction to probability theory and its pivotal role in current mathematics research.

Our future: understanding the big picture - James Martin

Dr James Martin, founder of the James Martin 21st Century School at the University of Oxford, explain why decision-makers need to look at the global big picture to avoid world catastrophe.

The Science of interaction between humans & computers - Stephen Payne

Professor Stephen Payne from the University of Bath, will discuss how his research combines an understanding of the human mind with the design of interactive systems.

Poetry in motion pictures - Kevan Manwaring

Poet and author Kevan Manwarring looks at poets who have graced the silver screen from Shakespeare to the Beats and the Romantics to Slam.

The history and development of Buddhism - Robert Heath

Dr Robert Heath, lecturer at the school of management at the University of Bath and study lecturer on Buddhism, talks about the history and development of the religion from its inception in India to the present day.

Climate change: challenge or swindle?

Reverend Professor Ian James questions whether climate change is a challenge or a swindle and presents some of the certainties, complexities and controversies from the science of climate change.

Devices and Desires

Organic devices are revolutionising lighting and solar cells, Professor Alison Walker will describe how this change will impact our lives. Light emission from organic materials is not very common in everyday life. However, some living creatures, such as fireflies and many sea creatures, emit light with amazingly high efficiencies.

What world do you see?

James Alexander, a highly practical business creator and innovative strategist, is a co-founder and Board Director of Zopa, the marketplace where people meet to lend and borrow money. In this wide ranging lecture, James, who is a superb speaker, will touch on a number of topics including how to make the most of opportunities in building a successful career. This is an opportunity for you to learn from someone who has been hugely successful in the business world.

How crows make tools and other clever tricks

Dr Alex Kacelnik from the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford talks about how crows make tools to find food and explains how animals think.

The Sunflower and the rose

Beloved by artists as well as gardeners, flowers are everywhere in art. But are they just flowers or do they carry hidden meanings? Is there a deeper significance - spiritual, cultural or aesthetic - than we realise? Put on your deerstalker and prepare to exercise your little grey cells as we tour a virtual art gallery looking for the clues that artists have left for us between the petals of the rose and the sunflower, two of summer's most beautiful flowers.

The future of brand management

Professor Michael Beverland, head of the marketing group at the University of Bath School of Management examines how the marketers behind some of the world¿s most enduring brands are responding to a new environment.

Nuclear explosives: the technology of destruction

Lecturer, writer and editor, Rick Marshall talks about how explosives are made and what to do if they're detonated.

War, Peace and Justice: the dilemmas of International security

Prof Adrian Hyde-Price from the University's Department of European Studies & Modern Languages examines the nature and causes of contemporary war and conflict, and considers the prospect of peace in the 21st Century.

Avebury - megaliths and myths - Roger Vlitos

Freelance and professional writer Roger Vlitos examines the theories and myths about Avebury.

Have Economists gone mad? - Paul Ormerod

Paul Ormerod, the author of three best-selling books on economics talks about what mainstream economists have to say about the turmoil of world economy.

Lady Miller of Batheaston - Martin Sturge

Martin Sturge talks about Lady Anna Miller of Batheaston. Mr Sturge is deeply involved with the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution and sponsored the rebinding of a rare volume of Lady Miller's Poetical Assemblies held in the institution's historic library.

Herschel lecture: The Cosmic Web - Peter Coles

Professor Peter Coles from the School of Physics & Astronomy at Cardiff University will talk about the large scale structure of the Universe and the ideas that physicists are weaving together to explain how it came to be the way it is.

Intimations of immortality

Professor Malcolm Johnson from the Department of Social and Policy Sciences at the University of Bath looks at the changing face of death in an ageing society.

Airfields - Bob Clarke

Author and archaeologist Bob Clarke charts the progress of aviation through airfields and asks why some stations are located where they are.

The Painted Garden - Russell Bowles

Freelance garden historian Russell Bowes looks at the history of gardening giving a virtual tour of some of the great art galleries of the world.

Assisted dying: rights, choices and palliative care - Lord Joel Joffe

Lord Joel Joffe believes that there is an 'urgent need' to change the law on assisted dying and will argue in his lecture that assisted dying and palliative care are essential and complementary aspects of care for people suffering from painful incurable diseases.

CSI unmasked - the facts about forensics - Kathleen Conabree

Forensic anthropologist Kathleen Conabree discusses issues surrounding what really goes on at a crime scene and what the term forensic actually means.

Cure or weapon? Towards a new ethics of biological research - Alexander Kelle

In this Charter Day lecture, Dr Alexander Kelle, from the University of Bath's Department of European Studies and Modern Languages, talks about biological research and its possible applications for good, and ill. Illustrating a track record over a century long of biological developments being put to uses outside their original purpose, he proposes the creation of an International Framework Agreement to ensure that we learn from the mistakes of the past.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh - The Glasgow Legacy - Stuart Robertson

Stuart Robertson, the director of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, gives a personal view of the great Scottish architect and designer.

BIME Lecture:Against the flow - Prof Alan Cottenden

Professor Alan Cottenden, from University College London, describes new technology for managing incontinence.

How to amaze your friends - Chris Budd

Professor Chris Budd from the University of Bath takes mathematics into the dark territory of murder, suicide, love, sex and conquest.

Bio-technology in Africa - Florence Wambugu

Florence Muringi Wambugu talks about the contribution of bio-technology, including GM crops, for improving the sustainable livelihoods of resource poor families in Africa.

At the court of the great moghul - Nicholas Fogg

Nicholas Fogg describes life at the Court of the Great Moghul, his campaigns, his foibles and his lasting impact on the history of India.

The psychology of habit - Bas Verplanken

Professor Bas Verplanken from the University of Bath talks about the psychology of habit and how much of what we do is done at the same time in the same location.

Pain science: discovering the limits of experience - Lindsey Cohen, Candy McCabe, Lance McCracken, Edmund Keogh

Members of the new Bath Centre for Pain Research celebrate its launch. The lecture is introduced by Professor Chris Eccleston, the centre's director, and includes an address by Dr Lindsey Cohen and talks by Dr Lance McCracken, Dr Candy McCabe and Dr Ed Keogh.

Work after globalisation - Guy Standing

Professor Guy Standing from the University of Bath talks about work after globalisation.

Academics and public policy: a new alignment? - Janet Finch

Professor Dame Janet Finch talks about how academia and government can work together.

Rediscovering the common wealth - Geof Wood

Professor Geof Wood of the University of Bath investigates our human motivations for sustainable behaviour beyond our own immediate interest.

Understanding stem cells, benefits for all? - Melanie Welham

Professor Melanie Welham from the University of Bath's Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology talks about the benefits of stem cells.

Creativity in the face of crisis - How great entrepreneurs rise from recessions - David Rogers

David Rogers talks about how entrepreneurs use innovation and creativity to survive and thrive in hard times.

Spirit country - Roger Vlitos

Professional photographer Roger Vlitos talks about nature writer Richard Jefferies, who coined the phrase Spirit Country for the west of England countryside that inspired him and many other followers.

Lies, damned lies, and statistics - Simon Woo

Professor Simon Wood from the University of Bath talks about smoothing, letting data speak without telling it what to say.

How the mind controls the body - Momna Hejmadi

Dr Momna Hejmadi, from the University of Bath, explores some of the non-conventional patterns of behaviour and links them to how the brain works.

The Holburne museum and its plans for the future - Alexander Sturgis

Dr Alexander Sturgis, Director of the Holburne Museum, talks about its plans for the future. He gives an insight into what visitors will be able to see in the renewed museum and the ways in which the development will allow it to play its part to the full in the cultural life of the city and region.

Showcase presentation on earthquakes - part 1 - Dina D'Ayala

How vulnerable are our historic buildings to earthquakes and how can we preserve them from seismic tremors? Dr Dina D'Ayala from the University's Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering discusses the development of methods to protect and preserve historic buildings from seismic damage.

Showcase presentation on earthquakes - part 2 - Andrew Plummer

Professor Andrew Plummer, Director of the Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control, discusses recreating earthquakes in a laboratory to test how buildings perform under extreme conditions.

How William and Caroline Herschel invented modern astronomy - Michael Lemonick

Michael Lemonick, a freelance science journalist from Princeton University, looks at the discoveries of William and Caroline Herschel.

The Hidden Universe - Glen Patrick

Dr Glen Patrick of Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxford, talks about how its possible to probe the hidden universe and what particle physics can tell us about it's secrets.

Muscles from Brussels - a 21st century superpower - Richard Whitman

Professor Richard Whitman from the Department of European Studies & Modern Languages discusses Muscles from Brussels: a 21st Century Superpower. Where does the EU fit in global politics? How do we explain the role that the EU currently plays within international politics and what is the impact of a developing international role for the EU on its member states' foreign security and defence policies?

What can we do about English spelling - John Well

Professor John Wells from the Speech, Hearing and Phonetic Science Research Department at University College London discusses whether we are wasting time on irregular spellings and holding our children back with spelling tests.

Grow your own building from earth, hemp and straw - Peter Walker

Professor Peter Walker discusses research into new ways of using traditional building materials such as earth, hemp and straw as a greener choice for modern construction. Professor Walker is Director of the BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials at the University.

Nanotechnology - Richard Jones

Richard Jones, professor of Physics at the University of Sheffield, looks at how we can manipulate matter at the level of individual atoms and molecules and the possible impact this will have on advances of medicine, energy and information technology.

The effect of gravity on light - Mark Birkinshaw

Professor Mark Birkinshaw talks about the effect of gravity on light as part of the 2008 Herschel lecture, named in remembrance of the Bath astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus in 1781.

Shakespeare's Sonnets: Two loves I have of comfort & despair - Nicholas Fogg

Writer and journalist Nicholas Fogg, sheds light on the historical conundrums of Shakespeare's sonnets. The sonnets represent one of the great literary enigmas and have given rise to endless speculation and debate.

Bee decline - Countdown to catastrophe? - Stuart Roberts

Stuart Roberts, research fellow at the University of Reading, discusses the decline of bees and its effect on the environment. Evidence is presented on the state and trends of bees, the likely drivers of change and the possible long term effects.

Paracetamol and over-the-counter medicines - How safe are they? - Denise Taylor

This lecture looks at medicines available over the counter from pharmacies as well as those available from supermarkets, grocery stores and garages. Trained pharmacist Denise Taylor discusses readily available medicines and how safe they are.

Stories & visions of Stonehenge - Roger Vlitos

Roger Vlitos, writer and photographer, discusses how Stonehenge has been seen in every age, from it's first appearance in medieval manuscripts to the present day.

Engineering a better quality of older life - Tom Kirkwood

Professor Tom Kirkwood, Director of the Institute for Ageing and Health at Newcastle University, explores how the ageing process is influenced by a broad range of lifestyle and environmental factors

Reading For Life - Jane Davis

Dr Jane Davis tells stories about the value of great books in ordinary lives. Jane left school at 16 with 2 GCSEs but now leads an organisation which wants a bigger place in the nation's heart for books and reading. Later in life she returned to education and graduated with a 1st class degree in English and spent 3 years writing a PhD.

The rise of the Grid & the Large Hadron Collider - Glenn Patrick

Particle Physicist Dr Glenn Patrick talks about the Large Hadron Collider. Based at CERN, in Geneva, the collider is the largest scientific machine in the world. It started operation in the summer of 2008 and aims to produce colossal amounts of data, which thousands of scientists around the world will analyse to further our understanding of the universe.

Measuring wellbeing and sustainability - Anil Markandya

Professor Anil Markandya, from the Department of Economics & International Development, gives the Charter Day lecture in which he explores more sophisticated ways of measuring a country's wellbeing than just looking at GDP; these include assessing its ecological footprint, rating in the Corruption Perception Index and number of happy life years. Using these techniques, there are some surprising winners and losers.

From cathedrals to cars and planes: representations in engineering design - Chris McMahon

Professor Chris McMahon, from the University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, considers some of the most complex design challenges faced by engineers through the ages, from designing ships in the 17th century, to the modern computer-assisted design of cars and planes.

Regenerative medicine: from stem cells to lab-grown tissues and beyond - Melanie Welham, Paul De Bank

Professor Melanie Welham and Dr Paul De Bank from the University's department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology talk about stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

Showcase presentations: improving health and healthcare - Chris Eccleston, Linda Bauld, Chris Garland

Professor Chris Eccleston, Dr Linda Bauld and Professor Chris Garland talk about their research and how it is helping to improve health and healthcare.

How the human genome project reveals our evolutionary past - Stephen Dorus

Dr Steve Dorus from the Department of Biology & Biochemistry reveals how cataloguing the DNA blueprint of humans is revealing the evolution of human traits.

The utility of force - Rupert Smith

General Sir Rupert Smith, the general who commanded the British Armoured Division in the first Gulf war and led the UN protection force in Bosnia, questions how military force is used to solve political problems.

Radio astronomy at Jodrell Bank, 50 years old and poised for the future - Philip Diamond

Professor Phil Diamond, Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, talks about the research activities at the observatory, home to one of the world's biggest and most powerful radio telescopes.

The history of death and dying - Allan Kellehear

Professor Allan Kellehear, Professor of Sociology at the University of Bath's Centre for Death & Society, gives an overview of the changing attitudes and behaviour of human beings and other hominids in their response to death, dying and loss over the last two million years.

Physical activity, obesity and health - Steven Blair

Professor Steven Blair, from the University of South Carolina, USA, talks about the causes of the obesity epidemic in the US, the relationship between weight and fitness levels, and the importance of physical activity in a healthy lifestyle.

Lowering our carbon footprint - Geoff Hammond

Professor Geoff Hammond, Director of the interdisciplinary International Centre for the Environment (ICE) at the University of Bath, looks at the global challenges and local opportunities for lowering our carbon footprint.

Conflict and cooperation in the family life of birds - Tamas Szekely

In this Charter Day lecture, Professor Tamas Szekely, from the University of Bath's Department of Biology & Biochemistry, talks about conflict and cooperation in the family life of birds.

The science of the swerving free kick - Ken Bray

Dr Ken Bray, from the Sport & Exercise Science group in the University's School for Health, reveals the science behind the swerving free kick, using scientific videos and match footage.

Fifty years since Sputnik - Piers Bizony

Award-winning space historian, Piers Bizony, presents an illustrated account of the Space Age, from the first tiny satellites to America's colossal project to land men on the moon.

Sustainable Energy brings Power to the People - Matthew Davidson

Professor Matthew Davidson, from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath, describes how the development of biodiesel catalysts, fuel cell materials and solar cells could one day help mitigate many of the problems caused by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

Rocks, Water but no Life? - Philippe Blondel

Philippe Blondel from the University's Centre for Space, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences takes a planetary journey through the solar system and discusses whether the discovery of water means there must be life on other planets

Clean Energy Materials: Crystal Gazing on the Atomic Scale - Saiful Islam

Professor Saiful Islam, of the University's Department of Chemistry, gives a flavour of the fascinating chemistry behind green technologies such as hybrid petrol-electric cars and fuel cells

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Children and Young People - Paul Stallard

Paul Stallard, Professor of Child & Family Mental Health at the University of Bath and a chartered clinical psychologist with the Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Care Partnership Trust, describes CBT, its use with children and young people and takes a critical look at its future use.

Evolution & the Social Sciences - Various Speakers

Leading figures from a range of social science disciplines discuss whether the theory of natural selection has anything to offer present-day students of cultures and societies.

Issues in Foreign Policy: Changes in World Power - Lord Rees-Mogg

Lord Rees-Mogg, former Editor of The Times, gives a free public lecture on the changing international scene.

The man in the woollen mask - Adrian Scott

Dr Adrian Scott, from the University's Department of Psychology, considers the fallibility of human memory and how past experience and knowledge of the world influence recollection.

Religion and conflict in Northern Ireland - Duncan Morrow

Duncan Morrow shares his experiences of working in the community, including as Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council which funds and develops inter-community relations practice and policy in Northern Ireland.

Vortex flows: from insects to aircraft - Ismut Gursul

Professor Ismet Gursul talks about his research into the most efficient wing structure for a tiny aircraft. He has found this is similar to the structure of insect wings.

Stabilising peace in a troubled world: building nations after war - Paddy Ashdown

Lord Paddy Ashdown - former High Representative in the successful reconstruction of Bosnia and a former leader of the Liberal Democrats - severely criticises the reconstruction of Iraq, calling it a 'catastrophic failure' in which 'daily carnage' is taking place. This lecture was organised by the University of Bath and the Royal Society of the Arts.